Liverpool should hold mental edge for FA Cup final
Luis Suarez celebrates during the Barclays Premier League match between Norwich City and Liverpool at Carrow Road on 28 April 2012 in Norwich, England.
In an illustration of Liverpool’s recent dominance over Chelsea, Saturday’s FA Cup final comes nearly two years to the day since the Blues registered a win against them. It was May 2, 2010, and goals from Didier Drogba and Frank Lampard lifted Chelsea to a 2-0 win at Anfield in a result that was crucial to their securing of the Premier League title that season.
A lot has changed in two years, including the clubs having sacked two managers each. More relevant to the here and now is that Liverpool has dominated their clashes since and, as such, should hold the mental edge heading to Wembley. Or at least they should. The Reds have won the past four meetings between the two sides.
But Chelsea will take a lot of confidence from their shock Champions League semi-final triumph against Barcelona last week. Perhaps it is because of that result that Roberto Di Matteo’s men are $2.35 favourites to win the Cup.
The fact Liverpool’s ($3) league form has been scratchy the past couple of months will have contributed as well, while Chelsea’s three FA Cup trophies in the past five years might have been another consideration. Regardless of all that, though, Liverpool hold the wood over Chelsea at the moment head-to-head and that cannot be underestimated.
Given Chelsea has scored just one goal against Liverpool in two years – and that four of the past five Cup finals have ended 1-0 – the under 2.5 goals ($1.74) looks the logical bet. But Liverpool has kept just one clean sheet in their past nine games, they are in good goal-scoring touch on the back of Luis Suarez’s sublime hat-trick against Norwich on the weekend, and Chelsea has all sorts of problems at the back. Maybe the $2.05 for over 2.5 goals isn’t so illogical after all.
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Liverpool is in season saving mode – The Carling Cup is not enough to make them feel good, but adding the FA cup might just be ok and set them up for next season.
Chelsea is sort of the same, but better… Still a chance for a top 4 and they have the little thing in Munich against Bayern as well. Chelsea is the better side and it will show when it’s all on the line.
Irt. the over/under – it depends on Chelseas attitude towards Liverpool. Are they a threat? then it’s defensive lockdown like against Barcelona. Are they confident? It’s attack and the over looks good.
Over recent seasons Liverpool has become a cups squad and this season is no different. The carling cup is already in the cabinet and now the FA Cup final awaits the men from Merseyside. Liverpool’s league form has been shocking. Will need big games from Suarez and Gerrard.
Chelsea on the other have had a late season revival, CL final, FA Cup final and their still battling for 4th spot in the league. Chelsea have found some cohesion that was lacking prior to the AVB sacking. Look for Mata to boss the midfield.
There is some history between these 2 clubs but Liverpool hold the edge in recent meetings. I’ll take Liverpool 2-1 after extra time. Bellamy first goal scorer.