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As the curtains are about to be pulled down on this season's Premier League, the top 2 teams of England - Liverpool and Chelsea lock horns at Anfield, in what is a probable title-decider. After 35 roller-coaster rounds in EPL, Liverpool are currently sitting at the top of the pile with 80 points and their weekend adversary, Chelsea are second with 75.With the only previous meeting between the two sides ending 2-1 in Chelsea's favour back in December, this one's all to play for. A win for Liverpool will all but ensure their first ever Premier League trophy, something which the club and their fans are desperately yearning for.Their mission in acquiring a Champions League spot is accomplished after 5 long years of absence, but they have to give it all against the Blues to claim the biggest prize in England.As the match draws to a close, we take a look at the 5 most enthralling encounters ever contested between the two.
#1 Chelsea 2-1 Liverpool (FA Cup final, 2012)
The Blues were enduring a torrid season in the Premier League, as they finished 6th in the table. However, they did not let the EPL ghosts haunt them in the FA Cup as the Roberto-Di-Matteo side claimed the FA cup.
Strikes from Ramires and Didier Drogba (often a tormentor in these games) either side of half time put Chelsea in a commanding 2-0 lead before the hour mark. Substitute Andy Caroll came off the bench to propell the Reds' back into the game, making it 2-1.
The score remained the same until the final whistle as Liverpool couldn't find the equaliser, and Andy Caroll's goal was a mere consolation.
#2 Liverpool 2-3 Chelsea (League Cup final, 2005)
This match really heralded the rivalry between the the two managers, Rafael Benitez and the 'Special One' Jose Mourinho.
The Norwegian international, John Arne Riise gave the Reds the lead in the opening minutes with a thunderous volley. However, captain Steven Gerrard put the ball into his own net with 10 minutes remaining, thus sending the match into extra-time. Drogba and Mateja Kezman were on target in added time making it 3-1 and putting the game beyond Liverpool's reach.
The match concluded with Antonio Nunez's consolation effort making it 3-2.
#3 Chelsea 1-2 Liverpool (FA cup semi-final, 2006)
Out of the several ties contested between the two sides, this one saw Benitez outfoxing his arch rival Mourinho to secure a rare win over the Blues.
John Arne Riise and Luis Garcia were on the score-sheet with 2 brilliant efforts, giving Liverpool a convincing 2-0 lead. Chelsea striker Didier Drogba pulled one back for the Blues in the 69th minute to make it 2-1. However, it wasn't enough for Chelsea to progress as they bowed-out of the competition, 2-1.
#4 Liverpool 1-4 Chelsea (Premier league, 2005)
Liverpool went into the game after wininng only one of the opening 5 games of the campaign and the remaining 4 ending in a stalemate. Jose Mourinho made the most of Liverpool's underwhelming form as his side hammered the Reds' 4-1 at Anfield, their worst home defeat in the League since a 1-4 loss on 13 December 1969 against Manchester United.
Frank Lampard opened the flood-gates just before the half-hour mark with a penalty after Djimi Traore fouled Didier Drogba but it was later cancelled out by Steven Gerrard.
Later on, Damien Duff, Joe Cole and Geremi all found the net for the Blues, making the scoreline a remarkable 4-1 with 10 minutes to go. This result left Chelsea 17 points ahead of Liverpool, who made the worst start to a season in 13 years.
#5 Chelsea 4-4 Liverpool (Champions League quarter-finals 2nd leg, 2009)
While mentioning about this clash, the adage "the best things always come last" feels fitting. Perhaps, this was undoubtedly one of the all time classics contested between the two sides.
After inflicting a sublime 1-3 defeat upon the Reds in Anfield in the first leg of the quarter-finals, Chelsea went into the game high on confidence to secure a 3rd successive semi-final spot.
A free-kick by Fabio Aurelio and a penalty from Xabi Alonso gave Liverpool a 2-0 lead within half an hour and made it 3-3 on aggregate. The Blues however refused to give-up and responded brilliantly with strikes from Drogba,Lampard and a ferocious free-kick by Alex Rodrigo, making it 3-2.
But the goal-rush didn't stop there. Liverpool fought back bravely to make it 4-3, courtesy of goals by Lucas and Dirk Kuyt. But it was Chelsea who had the last laugh as Lampard was once again on target in the penultimate minute to level the scores 4-4 in an exhilarating tie. Chelsea progressed 7-5 on aggregate.
