Five points separate the Premier League’s two top teams before they clash at Anfield on Sunday. Liverpool haven't lost in 16 consecutive matches while Chelsea have experienced a few slips during the run-in, including losses to Aston Villa, Sunderland and Crystal Palace. 

Liverpool will eliminate Chelsea from the title race - and move to the brink of a first English championship in 24 years - with a win at Anfield on Sunday in a contest that will capture the world's attention. The Reds hold a five-point lead over Chelsea with three games remaining, with Manchester City a point further back in third but with a match in hand. 

Going into the match, Liverpool can afford to draw as they need seven points from their remaining three matches while Chelsea have to win on Sunday to keep their title hopes alive. With the entire world watching the match, Jose Mourinho has threatened to "play the kids" at Liverpool, keeping his senior players fresh for the second leg v Atletico Madrid at Stamford Bridge. For Manchester City, who are six points behind Liverpool, fielding a weaker team would be a blow to their title hopes as they are in need of a Chelsea win. Mourinho's potential decision to field reserves could also lead to sanctions from the Premier League or the Football Association.

Mourinho was asked on Friday about his team news for Sunday in which he's responded with: 

"Wait for Sunday and on Sunday you will know our team. The most important thing for me is my club and the supporters of my club. I have to defend my club and I have to defend Chelsea supporters."

Chelsea could still field a team of internationals at Anfield as Frank Lampard and John Obi Mikel are both suspended for the Champions League match, while Nemanja Matic and Mohamed Salah are ineligible for the 2nd leg, but important players such as Petr Cech, John Terry, Eden Hazard, Ramires and Samuel Eto'o are all unavailable for Anfield. Meanwhile, 18 year old Andreas Christensen could make his debut and Marco van Ginkel may return to action as well.

Meanwhile for Liverpool, Daniel Sturridge is set to return to the lineup after missing the Norwich match. His return would complete the high-scoring triumvirate consisting of him, Raheem Sterling and Luis Suarez. Jordan Henderson will miss out as he continues to serve his three match suspension and Luis Enrique has also been ruled out of contention as he is set to return in the summer. 

Form Guide:

Liverpool Form: WWWWW

Chelsea Form: LWLWWL

Liverpool Home Form: WWWWW

Chelsea Away Form: WDWLLW

Stats:

  • Liverpool have won their last 11 matches in the Premier League.
  • Liverpool have scored at least two goals in their last 14 home matches in the Premier League.
  • There have been over three goals scored in Liverpool's last 11 games in the Premier League. 
  • Liverpool have been winning at both half time and full time in their last six home matches in the Premier League. 
  • There have been under three goals scored in six of Chelsea's last seven away games in the Premier League.
  • Liverpool have scored at least two goals in their last three home matches against Chelsea in all competitions.

Prediction:

Liverpool can't afford to lose as it will give the impetus back to Manchester City, while Chelsea can afford to drop points as Jose Mourinho has placed priority and all importance on the Champions League. Chelsea's stellar defence is up against Liverpool's red-hot attack, but the Blues are severly handicapped as several of their most important players are ruled out of contention. However, if anyone can engineer a win against the odds, it's Jose Mourinho. That being said, I'm going out on a limb; 2-1 Chelsea.