Why Chelsea vs Liverpool Match Is Worth A Wager

Of all the Premier League games scheduled for this weekend, a game that could have fans and wagering fans alike sitting on the edge of their seats is the highly-anticipated match of Chelsea vs Liverpool at Stamford Bridge in London on Sunday.

It won't be lost on Chelsea fans that their team will play at home for the first time since fellow London side Arsenal delivered a 5-3 thumping recently. But the thing about Chelsea fans is that they have loads of faith their team will prevent a repeat of that kind of loss this weekend against Liverpool.

While arch Derby rivals and Premier League leaders Manchester City and Manchester United have gobbled up most of the Premier League spotlight this season thanks to their superb level of play, it certainly does make a nice change to watch 'lesser' rivals face off.

Chelsea And Liverpool Are Tremendous Rivals

But make no mistake about it, Chelsea and Liverpool are, and always will be tremendous rivals, which makes for great football betting action. Which begs the question just about every betting fan is asking, of which side will come off better on Sunday?

If you ask Premier League oddsmakers like William Hill, they'll say Chelsea are the team to beat, having laid the Blues as the 4/5 favourites to win and the Reds at 16/5 to win, with 11/4 odds of a draw. But if you ask me, Liverpool are the team to beat, and I'll tell you why:

Liverpool are canny side that have been extremely sharp defensively so far this year, conceding just 10 goals in 11 matches. Goalkeeper Pepe Reina has been earning his wage packet and then some season, so don't be surprised if he foils more than a few efforts from Chelsea on Sunday.

Unfortunately for the Reds, their talented and always contributing captain Steven Gerrard is on the injured list, which means he'll be confined to the sidelines. However, set to start at Stamford Bridge for Liverpool is talented Uruguayan striker and part-time racist Luis Suarez.

Liverpool Fans Hoping Suarez Will Perform

Liverpool fans will be holding thumbs that Suarez plays on Sunday like he played for his national side against Chile recently, where he scored four goals in fine style. If Liverpool - who are three points behind Chelsea in the Premier League standings - fire on all cylinders this weekend, the home side could be in trouble.

Of course, there is no chance that Chelsea will make things easy for Liverpool on Sunday, and with their home fans cheering them on, they will be pumped up for a win. Plus it won't hurt the Blues' chances any that former Liverpool player Fernando Torres seems to be on the cusp of greatness at the leading London club.

But whatever the outcome of Chelsea vs Liverpool, expect a highly entertaining match.

 Posted by Anton Johan at 15:12 on 17 November 2011