Liverpool vs Chelsea
It would be unfair and inaccurate to say football games between these two only really started when Roman Abramovich waltzed into town with his Russian billions.
Indeed, the history of this fixture is littered with moments of class, controversy and tradition.
However, it’s fair to say many of the real battle royales have taken on a new, more intense level since the summer of 2003.
For since then, this fixture has become such a sports betting favourite with any number of twists and turns along the way.
Even weeks before the tycoon arrived in London, Chelsea and Liverpool had faced a winner takes-all showdown to qualify for the final Champions League place available.
Chelsea prevailed on that occasion and, boosted by their Russian investment, have undoubtedly had the upper hand ever since, although Liverpool will point to Champions League semi-final victories in 2005 and 2007, along with an FA Cup semi-final triumph in between, as proof this rivalry is not as one-sided as the difference in wealth.
Liverpool remain one of England’s most successful clubs (second only to Man Utd) but it’s Chelsea nouveau riches which have kept them largely ahead of their counterparts in the past decade or so.
Both have a Champions League to their name over the past 13 years.
But since 2003, while Chelsea have enjoyed four Premier League triumphs, three League Cup triumphs and four FA Cup successes, Liverpool have one each of the domestic cups to show for their efforts.
So often they have stopped each other from prevailing and, as they prepare to meet again, both are once again in each other’s way in the quest for silverware.
After their worst week of the season – three home defeats in a row – Liverpool need to bounce back.
They are off the pace in the Premier League and a defeat to the leaders would surely spell the end of their title bid.
Chelsea, in contrast, know they are in pole position but are well aware Liverpool won 2-1 at Stamford Bridge in September and are more than capable of upsetting them again.
With both sides expected to be more or less at full-strength after resting some players during their weekend FA Cup ties, this could be just the latest blockbuster in a series of meetings between two clubs with different traditions, different budgets and different approaches.
It should be no less compelling but whether we get class, controversy, tradition or a combination of all three at Anfield this time is anyone’s guess.
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