When Liverpool FC welcome Chelsea FC to Anfield on the 31st of January, the result has the potential to yield a Premier League champion if the Blues get their way.
As things stand, Antonio Conte’s men sit 10 points clear of Jurgen Klopp’s squad with the opportunity to extend the lead to 13 points with just 15 matches to play. Diego Costa is back to his old ways, lighting up the scoresheet every week, while Roberto Firmino is the spark Liverpool need despite the Reds suffering a huge blow in their title chase with a 3-2 loss against Swansea.
As frustration continues to build for the Merseyside club, they will be without Sadio Mane, who is participating in the African Cup of Nations with Senegal, and shifting personnel around the park has not yet proven to be an effective strategy. If Liverpool is to make a dent in the deficit, they will have to pick up more than the two points they have in the last three matches. Meanwhile, after seeing their winning run come to an end, the Blues are back to winning ways taking all the points in their last two matches, and it seems as if the loss was but a blip in their continued excellence.
With the match set to take place after EFL Cup and FA Cup matches this week and weekend, here are five keys to Liverpool vs. Chelsea…