What does it take for a supporter to wish a defeat for his team in Football? Pride of not being taken over as the most successful team in the history of the League? Pride of not letting your arch-rivals get one-up on you? Liverpool fans might want that pride to dictate their support when Liverpool take on Chelsea at Anfield on Sunday in what is most definitely the title decider.
Will Liverpool stop United from lifting their 19th Premier League title?
The coveted 19th
Chelsea visit Anfield leading Manchester United by a point and any slip-up against Liverpool will leave the door-to-the-title open for United. Liverpool have a decorated history and have been one of the most successful clubs in England. However, United have ruled over the Premier League ever since its inception in 1992, winning 11 titles and being a far more dominant force over the last two decades than the Merseysiders. The Red Devils now need a massive favour from the Reds to help them win their fourth successive League title and overtake Liverpool in the overall tally with19 titles. Liverpool fans would not mind a defeat against Chelsea if that result stops United from taking the lead.
Remember 1995?
The scenario is a repeat of 1995 when Blackburn visited Anfield on the last day of the League requiring a win to pip United for the title. That day Liverpool did a huge favour to United by beating Blackburn 2-1 only for United to draw at West Ham and hand the title to Blackburn. History could repeat if United do drop points in their remaining 2 matches against Sunderland and Stoke City.
Lots to play for Liverpool
No player plays to lose and none of the Liverpool players will take the field on Sunday with an intention to make it easy for Chelsea, irrespective of what the fans might say. Rafael Benitez’s side still have an outside chance of finishing fourth and grabbing the final Champions League place if both Tottenham and Manchester City slip-up. They also have Everton snapping close to their heals and would not want their bitter rivals to finish above them in the League.
Rampant Chelsea
Carlo Ancelotti’s men will be full of confidence after the 7-0 thrashing of Stoke City last week. The Blues showed exceptional character to bounce back from the 2-1 defeat to Tottenham and will fancy their chances against a Liverpool side which endured 120 minutes against Atletico Madrid in mid-week. Although the Reds were unfortunate to be knocked out of the Europa League on the away goals rule, their ability to conjure up 2 goals without their talisman Fernando Torres will inspire confidence in Rafael Benitez.
i Predict Liverpool 1 Chelsea 1
The crowd might not, for once, cheer for the home team. But the result might just ensure that the bragging rights might be unwillingly transferred to the Red Devils.
