PREMIER LEAGUE expert Daniel McCulloch (@DMcCulloch1984) casts his eye over Wednesday night's EFL Cup tie between Liverpool and Chelsea at Anfield.
Liverpool v Chelsea | Wednesday 26th September 2018, 19:45 | Sky Sports
As somebody who likes to study the form guide before making a recommendation, this game presents somewhat of a challenge. While both sides are unbeaten this season, it is hard to read anything in to that when wholesale changes are expected.
I initially looked at Chelsea’s side for their encounter with POAK Salonika as a guide for what we could expect to see on Wednesday evening. That team contained the likes of Marcus Alonso, N’Golo Kante and Willian and were we to see the same outfit at Anfield, then, at greater than 2/1, I think the London side would be a great bet.
However, given that they face Liverpool again in just three days time, a more experimental line up is anticipated.
Still, I think Liverpool – who will make several changes themselves – are too short at 17/20. Instead, I like the look of Xherdan Shaqiri at 15/2 with Betway in the First Goalscorer market.
The Swiss is almost certain to start, hit the bar for his new side on Saturday and is likely to take all the set-pieces. I have heard some nonsense stated regarding his commitment to Stoke last season, but believe that eight league goals was a more than reasonable return in a side that created so few chances.
When given the opportunity, I expect Shaqiri to impress at Anfield, and hopefully he will open his account.
While both sides will likely field experimental starting line ups, I expect both to keep some firepower on the bench. Neither will want a penalty shoot-out and I believe we will see an open end to the game, so feel that the 19/20 Betway are offering on the last goal to be scored between 76th and 90th minute is also worth a few pennies.
Best Bets
Liverpool v Chelsea – Last goal between 76th and 90th minute (19/20 Betway)
Liverpool v Chelsea – Xherdan Shaqiri to score first (15/2 Betway)
