Chelsea head into their League Cup semifinal against Liverpool at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday with an advantage -- but it’s a slender one. Only away goals keep the Blues ahead after a 1-1 draw at Anfield last week, and only is that used as a tiebreaker after extra time. That means Liverpool have 120 minutes to try and score, and they probably will (even if that means conceding a hatful along the way).
Chelsea vs. Liverpool live stream: Time, TV schedule and how to watch their League Cup semifinal online
Liverpool will look to overturn their away goal deficit at Stamford Bridge in the League Cup semifinal.
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José Mourinho’s side head into this encounter smarting from an embarrassing 4-2 defeat at home to Bradford City in the FA Cup; Liverpool only faired marginally better in behing held to a goalless draw by Championship strugglers Bolton Wanderers. The flipside is that Chelsea elected to rest several first-team players for that defeat, so they should be fully fit for this encounter. Liverpool, by contrast, might not look quite so sharp.
Key player - Cesc Fàbregas (Chelsea)
Many were sceptical when Cesc Fàbregas signed for Chelsea in the summer, having largely flattered to deceive in his spell at Barcelona. However, his excellent start to life back in English football has shown quite how good he can be, even in a pretty unfamiliar role as a deep-lying playmaker. If Liverpool can't keep him quiet, Diego Costa will enjoy a healthy supply of goalscoring chances.
Key matchup - Philippe Coutinho vs. Nemanja Matić
Assuming Daniel Sturridge isn't fit enough to make a start in this match and Raheem Sterling continues to play as Liverpool's centre-forward, Philippe Coutinho will be one of Liverpool's key creative forces. Given the freedom to drift central from his nominal position out wide, he has the potential to change a game with one moment of magic (even if all other moments end up comfortably over the crossbar). Chelsea anchorman Nemanja Matić will be the man tasked with shutting him down in central areas.
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Chelsea injuries and suspensions
Out: None. In doubt: John Obi Mikel (head).
Liverpool injuries and suspensions
Out: Jon Flanagan (knee), Brad Jones (thigh), Kolo Touré (international duty). In doubt: Daniel Sturridge (thigh).
Chelsea should have a full-strength team to choose from, with only rotation player John Obi Mikel likely to miss out. Liverpool’s only certain absentees are also only squad players, though striker Daniel Sturridge may not be risked as he readies himself for a return from his long-term thigh injury.
Match Date/Time: Tuesday, 7:45 p.m. local, 2:45 p.m. ET
Venue: Stamford Bridge, London, England
TV: beIN Sports (U.S. and Canada - English), beIN Sports en Español (U.S. - Spanish), Sky Sports 1 (U.K.)
Online: beIN Sports Connect (U.S. and Canada), Sky Go (U.K.)
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