It was a draw in the first leg as Chelsea visited Anfield with a defensive mindset and somehow managed to escape with a draw against an impressive Liverpool team. Mourinho’s Chelsea saw a humiliating and rare defeat at home at the hands of lowly Bradford City to get ousted from the FA Cup in the weekend. Liverpool despite their good performance against Chelsea had a dull outing in the FA Cup as they drew against Bolton. Mourinho is expected to go with a strong lineup this time and this is the one which is expected :
Thibaut Courtois: The Belgian is expected to return to action after being rested for the FA Cup game. He was splendid in the first leg at Anfield and would hope to keep a clean sheet at home.
Branislav Ivanovic: He was rested against Bradford and would be back in all probability. His strength and aggression would be vital against a lively Liverpool left flank.
Gary Cahill: This month has not been the best for Cahill so far as he has been part of a defence that has leaked 10 goals this month. He would want to get the better of his English teammate Raheem Sterling.
John Terry: Blues skipper was sorely missed as a leader when Chelsea collapsed against Bradford. Terry would be required for this crucial game to calm the nerves and lead the team.
Filipe Luis: The Brazilian would be likely to start the game ahead of Azpilicueta as has been the case in most cup games. The Spaniard would rest for the game against Man City in the weekend.
Nemanja Matic: The Serbian enforcer has been key to Chelsea’s strong campaign till now and he was missed in Chelsea’s defeat against Bradford. He had some good battles against Sterling last time, and would be a key figure in this game as well.
Cesc Fabregas: The Spaniard dictates the game for the Blues in the midfield. He is likely to start alongside Matic and create chances from the deep. Fabregas offers a new dimension to Chelsea with his passing and vision.
Willian: Schurrle is reportedly seeking a move away from Chelsea and as recent trend has shown, Willian is above him the picking order. The Brazilian was also rested for most part against Bradford so would definitely feature.
Oscar: He has been somewhat dispensable in the big games with Mourinho preferring defensive players. Oscar has great work rate and skill and with such form, he’s definitely going to make the team.
Eden Hazard: The Belgian star is expected to make a comeback against Liverpool after having a rest during the FA Cup game until the final minutes. Hazard is expected to be at his best at Stamford Bridge.
Diego Costa: After resting against Bradford, the burly center forward would be raring to go head to head against Skrtel and Henderson once again. He’s been lethal this season but has not scored in any other competition apart from the Premier League.