If Brendan Rodgers wants to earn some credibility with Liverpool fans, this is the match where he can turn things around. After losing last year's match against Mourinho's crew, Rodgers may practice some things he might have picked up from that meeting. Maybe Liverpool are heavily considered this game's underdog, but Chelsea's dominance may be put in jeopardy if The Reds carry out a well-thought plan including the following concepts.
1. The Balotelli factor
It's quite obvious to say that Mario Balotelli has not been able to live with the task of replacing Luis Suarez. Every game that Liverpool does not win always ends up with fans trolling the Italian striker, and maybe this will be the match where Super Mario starts turning boos into cheers. Brendan Rodgers could consider benching Balotelli, since the former Manchester City player has only been able to score when coming off the bench. Maybe that will be the Italian's role with Liverpool, and this match could help prove that point.
2. Tactical changes
It's a well-known fact that Jose Mourinho studies his opponents strenghts and weaknesses to the point of lunacy. Knowing every single detail is always in Mou's cards, and if Rodgers plays the "Real Madrid move" on Chelsea, then the Reds may have a fighting chance against the league leaders. Starting different players against Madrid made Liverpool save face despite losing, so why not try it again?
3. Steven Gerrard's role
It's almost certain that one player that's been waiting eagerly for this match is Steven Gerrard. Liverpool's captain has had a tough time living with the "slip" factor, and this can give him the motivation that The Reds need to succeed. But what if Rodgers decided to bench Gerrard for good? That would be a bold move! Maybe the great Stevie G is untouchable, but maybe his absence can benefit his team in surprising Mourinho's tactics.
4. Martin Skrtel
Disregarding the fact that the Slovakian player's had one of his worst seasons as a Red so far, Brendan Rodgers may consider sitting Skrtel due to his increasing rivalry with Brazilian-Spanish forward Diego Costa. As of now, it's not clear if Costa will take part of this match, but during their recent Euro Qualifiers matchup, Costa and Skrtel had a rough meeting. Putting Skrtel against Costa would be like playing Russian roulette, and Liverpool can't afford one of their defenders losing their head against one of the Premier League's top scorers.
5. Fabio Borini
Despite being discarded before the season started, Fabio Borini has worked out just fine when he has been recquired, and the former Sunderland striker may be ready for his biggest game as a Red. After his mid-week performance against Real Madrid, Borini managed to silence critics, and even some went ahead and proposed him as a starter against Chelsea. The Italian may be the odd man in Rodgers' lineup, and he could be the antidote Liverpool need to use against the undefeated leaders. Will his solid game against Los Blancos earn him a place on Saturday's lineup?
Match details, result and original broadcast info
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