The Blues v/s The Reds: Player Battles

18 Yard Box's Rishabh Ghai analyses the various battles on the pitch in this titanic clash between Chelsea and Liverpool.

Its almost been two years since Liverpool's former talisman Fernando Torres left for their bitter rivals Chelsea. Although it happened a long time ago, the scars of his departure have not yet healed. Both Torres and Liverpool have been on the same path. A path of decline where both are not performing like their old selves.

The clash between the Spaniard and his former employers is always one to watch out for. But there are still some interesting battles on the pitch which can turn the tie on its head. The last League meeting between the two sides had ended in Liverpool having the last laugh by routing Chelsea 4-1.

18 Yard Box has a look at the various battles on pitch.

John Terry V/S Luis Suarez

Liverpool's man in form will go against the Chelsea legend John Terry. Arguably one of the best defenders in the Chelsea lineup, Terry returns to Premier League action after his 4 match ban. However, his task will not be easy. Marking Suarez is the most difficult thing for a defender to do in the Premier League and terry will be doing just that. The ability of the Uruguayan to drop deep to take the ball from the midfield and run directly at the defenders is a headache for even the best of centre backs. Not only this but should Terry give away any free kick on the edge of the area, Suarez will be ready to pounce on it. NImble footed, the only disadvantage that Suarez has is that due to his so called 'diving' antiques in the previous games. A real foul on him goes against him as a dive. Terry will be aware of this and will look to exploit this side of the game too. 'JT' returns to action from a 4 game ban for racially abusing Anton Ferdinand. He would love to put the past behind him and get the monkey off his back by putting in a good show on Sunday night. He will have a tough task in his hand. However his tackling abilities along with his aerial abilities should be enough to keep Suarez at bay. He just needs to be careful of Suarez's turns which he makes near the by lines. If Terry can keep the Liverpool marksman under check then Chelsea have will have won half the battle. A tough one to call, but Terry's experience could just prove useful for Chelsea.

Eden Hazard V/S Glen Johnson/ Andre Wisdom

Glen Johsnon returns to action after an injury lay off. During his time on the treatment table the defensive duties on the right were given to the new young star of Liverpool Andre Wisdom. Although he did well to impress, playing the experience of Johnson might be a lucrative offer for Brendan Rodgers. The pacey full back has done well ever since he left Chelsea to join Liverpool and has been a mainstay on the right irrespective of Kelly being another option. However, it remains to be see if he starts because if he does then he will have a quite a task on his hands. Keeping Hazard quiet will require some doing but being a fast runner himself, the pace should not be a problem for the English right back. The only problem will be the cute cut-ins which Hazard makes. Johnson will have to be on his toes to win this battle. The young Belgian whizkid can be said to have a matured head on young shoulders. Ever since his arrival at the Premier League he has been simply sensational for the Blues. The Kop defenders, especially Glen Johnson, will have to be weary of his pace and skills. The direct play which he uses get at the defenders reminds us of a certain Crisitano Ronaldo for his time at United. Having got the skills, Eden Hazard surely has in him to beat Glenn Johnson.  It remains to be see how much fuel will Johnson have in his tank and should he start how well he gets his game back. Considering the option of Wisdom starting looms larger, this area of the pitch might well belong to the Belgian.

Fernando Torres V/S Daniel Agger

Securing the services of Daniel Agger by offering him a lucrative contract is one thing Liverpool have done right. The left footed centre back has gone on to become one of the top defenders in the Premier League and has been having a good season alongside Martin Skrtel. His job of the day would be to keep his former team-mate Fernando Torres  under check. The hard tackling defender, Agger should not have much problems dealing with the Chelsea front man but might come under trouble should any of the wide players of Chelsea (Mata or Hazard) cut inside to cause problems. Being good in the air, Agger can deal with the long balls all day long. An excellent reader of the game, he chooses his opportunities burst forward from his defensive position and send a long range shot at goal.  Having a season of contrasting fortunes, Fernando Torres, having found his name on the socresheet for Chelsea earlier on, has returned back to the miserbale form he carried on last season. Better than his previous ones at Chelsea, he has not been able to replicate his old form which carried on with pride wearing the Liverpool colours. Going against Agger will be a tough job as he would love to prove a point to his old team. His nimble footed movements alongwith his understanding with the fellow Spaniard Mata could be the key for him to unlock Liverpool's defense. His heading and shooting abilities had been witnessed during his time at Liverpool. This could be just that game which could turn the tables for him as a goal against his former club would do wonders to his confidence. However, at this point, based on form, there is only one winner. We can surely expect Torres to have a tough night at the Bridge against Liverpool.

Written By,

Rishabh Ghai 

Rishabh is a writer for Goal.com India, International (all English editions) and an Editor and writer for 18 Yard Box 

Follow Rishabh Ghai on Twitter