The pair drew the first leg 1-1 at Anfield…
Last Tuesday Liverpool and Chelsea drew 1-1 at Anfield in the first leg of their Capital One Cup semi final. This has set up an enticing second leg between the two sides, with both still in with a great chance of going to Wembley.
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Here are the key battles that could decide the clash…
5) Diego Costa v Martin Skrtel
The Blues will need Costa to be firing if they want to have a chance against the Merseyside club, and it will be Skrtel’s job to stop him. Although they were less in each other’s faces in the first leg, when the pair played back in November they had an especially physical game. The striker’s shirt was ripped in the encounter, and it could be another aggressive battle at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday night.
4) Cesc Fabregas v Steven Gerrard
Less of a one on one battle then Costa and Skrtel, but if one of these two is able to control the game then their team will surely win. Fabregas already has 18 assists this season, while Gerrard will be looking for one last hurrah before he leaves for LA Galaxy.
3) Raheem Sterling v John Terry
The Chelsea captain’s positioning and concentration will be put to the test against the young forward. Terry hasn’t got any quicker as he’s aged, and the pacy youngster could be a very stern test for the former England skipper.
2) Eden Hazard v Lazar Markovic
Once again Lazar Markovic’s transformation to a wing back will be tested against one of the best in the form of Blues star Eden Hazard. While the Serbian has been good going forward, he may need to improve defensively against the winger. If the Belgian is allowed to play to his best then the Reds will have no chance.
1) Philippe Coutinho v Nemanja Matic
Most of Liverpool’s attacks come through Coutinho, so if Matic is able to shut him down then the Merseyside club will be severely weakened going forward. As the away side need to score at least once to go through, if the defensive midfielder can win this battle it could also win the whole tie.