Liverpool v Chelsea: Key Capital One Cup semi-final battles
Ahead of their Capital One Cup semi-final, Matt Stanger looks at the key battles between Liverpool and Chelsea...
It’s fair to say that Costa won this battle the last time these two teams met, scoring the winner in Chelsea’s 2-1 victory at Anfield in November. The 26-year-old proved a handful for Skrtel throughout, managing five shots and creating more shooting opportunities (four) than any other player on the pitch.
Costa embodied the Blues’ fighting spirit, with the image of his ripped shirt flapping in the wind perfectly capturing his dogged display. Skrtel will need to be at the height of his powers to deny the Premier League's top scorer, with the outcome of the first leg potentially hinging on this duel.
Sterling’s pace and trickery will pose a significant threat to the Spaniard, with the Liverpool forward contributing to nine goals (four strikes and five assists) in the Premier League and only five players averaging more dribbles per game.
Henderson, on the other hand, struggled to make an impact in the centre of the pitch. The 24-year-old recorded the worst passing accuracy of any Liverpool player to complete 90 minutes and was also blunt in an attacking sense, failing to create a single chance and firing two shots off-target.
With doubts over Steven Gerrard’s fitness, Lucas’ selection in the middle may give Henderson more licence to roam. His intelligent runs from deep have previously proved effective in creating space for the Reds’ attack, and he will hope to keep Matic busy to allow the likes of Sterling and Philippe Coutinho room to cause problems.
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