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January 26, 2015


Chelsea v. Liverpool Preview  (Sky Sports)

Jose Mourinho and Brendan RodgersA spot in the first domestic final of the season is up for grabs when Chelsea host Liverpool in the Capital One Cup semi-final second-leg at Stamford Bridge.

Raheem Sterling's second-half equaliser at Anfield gives Liverpool a fighting chance ahead of Tuesday's return fixture.

However, the 1-1 scoreline does not tell the full story of last week’s first leg, with Liverpool unfortunate not to be taking a lead to the capital.

The Reds found Thibaut Courtois in fine form, but they will get a second chance to earn a place in their first final since winning this competition in 2012.

Jose Mourinho will want his side to bounce back from what he described as a “shameful” defeat at the hands of League One side Bradford in the FA Cup on Saturday.

But Chelsea will have to be wary of the Reds who have performed well at Stamford Bridge in recent visits, winning three of the last five clashes.

Team news

Mourinho will revert to his tried and trusted first-choice players as Chelsea bid to recover from their shock FA Cup exit. Captain John Terry, goalkeeper Courtois, Branislav Ivanovic, Nemanja Matic, Diego Costa, Cesc Fabregas, Eden Hazard and Willian are all poised to return to the starting line-up.

John Obi Mikel (head) and Andre Schurrle (back) are doubts, but neither are likely to be involved from the start as the Blues aim to respond immediately to their embarrassing exit to the Bantams.

Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge could be back in contention for a starting berth. The England forward, who has not played for the Reds since August, is now back in full training after thigh problems but is unlikely to be risked if not deemed fully ready.

Captain Steven Gerrard and defender Martin Skrtel, rested for the weekend's FA Cup tie against Bolton, are likely to return but it remains to be seen if striker Mario Balotelli - left out for reasons of form and attitude - features.



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