There should be no shortage of intensity as Liverpool and Chelsea battle in the Premier League's top match of the weekend. The Reds are still hoping to make a late charge into a European spot, while the Blues look to secure a Champions League berth.
Liverpool's chances have begun to fade after back-to-back scoreless draws with West Ham and Reading, two clubs they should have beaten. The drop-off in form comes after an extended run by the Reds, who fought all the way back into European contention following a slow start.
It's been the opposite story for Chelsea. The Blues started hot and had the appearance of title contenders in the early going. Now, they are just hoping to maintain a spot in the top four. They are currently three points clear of Tottenham, the fifth-place club.
Let's take a glance at the key viewing information for the match. It's followed by a closer look at some players to watch and a prediction for Sunday's key counter.
The Liverpool attack has gone silent in recent weeks, which has put a lot of pressure on Reina and his back line. Luckily for the Reds, they have been up to the task with two straight clean sheets to help the club salvage a couple of points in matches they should have won.
Reina, who's watched as Brad Jones started receiving more playing time for the Reds, remains one of the Premier League's most reliable goalkeepers. And at 30, he should still have several more seasons of high-level play ahead of him despite plenty of talk about his future.
As for this weekend, he gets prepared to face a Chelsea attack that's coming off an impressive midweek showing against Fulham. The Blues have scored six goals over their past three matches overall, which should mean a busy match is ahead for Reina.
To say it's been a sensational debut season at Chelsea for Hazard would be an understatement. Any concerns about his ability to make the Premier League transition were quickly washed away, and he's continued to improve as the season's gone on.
The 22-year-old playmaker, who joined the Blues from Lille, has accounted for eight goals and 14 assists in league play. While those are terrific numbers for a rising star of his age and experience, his potential to get even better is what makes him such an intriguing player.
Chelsea are going to need a strong run of form from Hazard to finish the season if they want to finish in the top four. It starts on Sunday against Liverpool. The Reds' defense has been playing well lately, so he's got his work cut out for him.
Suarez continues to lead the Premier League with 22 goals, but his lead has shrunk due to a recent dry spell following his return from international duty. The Reds' star striker hasn't found the net in three matches since, allowing Robin van Persie to close the gap to one.
He will attempt to get back on the scoresheet against a Chelsea that ranks second in goals allowed this season. The Blues did give up five goals in a two-match span before securing a shutout of Wigan, however. So they haven't been in top form lately.
All told, somebody needs to spark the Liverpool offense if the club wants to get back in the European conversation. As has been the case since the campaign began, the onus is on Suarez to make it happen. The Blues know that and will be focused on keeping him under control on Sunday.
Link: [Live Football] Siauliai - Ekranas - Lithuanian A Lyga Soccer League
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