Chelsea finally confirmed the inevitable as Eden Hazard's solitary goal of the match earned them their fourth Premier League title. This means that the newly crowned champions now have nothing except pride to play for.
Their opponents Liverpool on the other hand, who were competing for the title at a similar stage last season will be hoping they can pounce on Man United's recent blip. A victory for them coupled with a defeat for Man United will close down the gap between the two sides to just one point. However it is unlikely that Jose Mourinho will hand the Reds a victory on a silver platter and despite having won the title, the Portuguese will have his eyes set on a victory at Stamford Bridge. Here are four ways how Chelsea can pick a victory on Sunday and tarnish Liverpool's top four hopes:
Get over the title winning hangover
Having already won the title it can be said that Chelsea players will not be that motivated coming into the match but with Jose Mourinho as their manager, the players will know that the Portuguese will settle for nothing other than a win.
It remains to be seen what kind of a tactic the former Real Madrid coach adopts during the match. In recent weeks Chelsea have made use of a more defensive approach, one which they have carried out with aplomb. However with the players he has to his expense, the Blues could cause a lot of damage in the opposition half and Man United fans will be hoping such a Chelsea side could show up on Sunday.
Continue their winning streak
Brendan Rodgers has a disappointing record against Chelsea and is yet to record a victory against his opponents in league and cup encounters. In the 10 matches he has faced Chelsea as a manager, Liverpool have suffered six defeats and have managed four draws. Liverpool's record against the recently crowned champions in the Premier League era is not very impressive either.
The Reds have picked up just 18 points in their last 24 visits to the Stamford Bridge. In the 45 meetings between the two sides in the Premier League era, Liverpool have lost 19 times having recorded 17 victories. As things stand Chelsea are clearly the better side and on a better run, they are thus favourites to win.
Tricky fixture list for Liverpool and United
With only three matches left to play, both the Red Devils and Liverpool have tricky ties ahead and it will not come as a surprise if there is a late twist in the top four race. United will face a Crystal Palace side which has done reasonably well under the tutelage of Alan Padrew in their next fixture. Subsequently they will face Arsenal who are in red hot form, which means that should Liverpool score a victory over Chelsea on Sunday, Van Gaal's side could be in hot water.
On the other hand should Chelsea do them a favour and win against the Reds, a victory for Man United against Crystal Palace could send them beyond the reach of Liverpool.
Not to show too much respect to Gerrard
Sunday's encounter could be the last time the Liverpool legend faces Chelsea ahead of his MLS switch. Jose Mourinho has shown the Los Angeles Galaxy bound midfielder a lot of respect in his pre-match conference however it is important that Chelsea players remain vary of the threat he can pose.
The Liverpool captain will be pumped up for the match especially with a top four finish on the horizon. He made the difference scoring a later winner against QPR last time out and will be raring to put forth a match winning performance once again.
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