Liverpool v Chelsea: The Big Preview

Last updated : 15 August 2003 By Kevin Smith
Sunday marks the first competitive game for three months as Liverpool take on Chelsea in the first game of the 2003/04 Premiership season.

Liverpool are without Dietmar Hamann (shin injury) and Steven Gerrard (suspended) so Gerard Houllier is expected to call upon Igor Biscan and Danny Murphy for central midfield, with Harry Kewell and El Hadji Diouf on the flanks.

Michael Owen and Emile Heskey are expected to lead the attack, with Milan Baros waiting his chance on the bench.

Chelsea's line-up is a little more difficult to predict, with so many new signings over the summer. Damien Duff and Juan Sebastian Veron are likely to figure, while Joe Cole could start after an impressive substitute appearance ofr the Blues in the Champions League qualifier with Zilina.

Team (from): Dudek, Carragher, Henchoz, Hyypia, Riise, Kewell, Murphy, Biscan, Diouf, Owen, Heskey, Kirkland, Finnan, Baros, Diao, Le Tallec, Sinama-Pongolle, Traore, Cheyrou.

Quotes

"We were frustrated after the last game of the season at Stamford Bridge," said Gerard Houllier. "We want to show a different Liverpool against them."

"Our preparations have gone really well," Steven Gerard told the club's official site. "The team spirit is brilliant and all the lads are raring to go. "Obviously I'm gutted not to be playing on Sunday."

Last Four

11.5.03 Chelsea 2 Liverpool 1
6.10.02 Liverpool 1 Chelsea 0
24.3.02 Liverpool 1 Chelsea 0
16.12.01 Chelsea 4 Liverpool 0

Betting Odds

Liverpool are 5/4 favourites to win on Sunday and Michael Owen is 5/1 favourite to score first. Click here to register with Blue Square and claim a free £10 bet.

Predictions

What do you think the scoreline will be?

Need a ticket?