Chelsea v Liverpool: five key battles

Chelsea face Liverpool at Stamford Bridge this weekend. Here are five potential battles we think might be all-important in Saturday’s big game.

Diego Costa v Martin Skrtel
Tempers flared when these two clashed last season and this one could be another fiery encounter – if Costa comes through a fitness test.

Kurt Zouma v Adam Lallana
Will Zouma again play at right-back? He’s looked less than comfortable there and Lallana’s movement and trickery might cause him a problem.

Nemanja Matic or John Mikel Obi v Philippe Coutinho
Another decision facing Blues boss Jose Mourinho is whether to restore Matic following his suspension or go with Mikel. Whoever gets the nod will have an important job stopping Coutinho.

Eden Hazard v Nathaniel Clyne
This could be a very interesting one. Hazard has responded well to being dropped but Mourinho wants his defensive work-rate to improve and that might be tested by Clyne, who likes to get forward. On the other hand, Clyne’s eagerness to attack might open things up for Hazard, who tends to perform well in big games.

Gary Cahill v Christian Benteke
Cahill has been unconvincing at times this season and striker Benteke, fit again after a knee problem, would be out to unsettle the Chelsea man. Moving Zouma back into the centre of the defence is of course an option for Mourinho.