Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool will welcome Maurizio Sarri’s fourth-placed Chelsea side in what could turn out to be the biggest game of the season. The Reds have the possibility to go five points clear of second-place title contenders Manchester City if they fail to break down a stubborn Crystal Palace in today’s earlier kick-off. However, Liverpool fans will be hoping history does not repeat itself, as the fifth anniversary approaches of Steven Gerrard’s infamous slip in 2014.
The move, which gifted Chelsea’s former frontman Demba Ba a goal and ultimately secured victory, was arguably the catalyst to Liverpool’s demise in the title race against City.
Defeat for the Reds marked the beginning of the end as the Citizens clawed back a five-point deficit to lift the trophy.
But former Blues manager Jose Mourinho had little sympathy for the English midfielder, archived footage reveals.
The Special One was asked during a press conference by a reporter in 2014 “How crucial was that [Steven Gerrard’s slip] in the title race?”
And Mourinho unforgivably responded: “He gave the title to Man City, it is as simple as that.
“Liverpool needed a point in that match to be champions and because they lost, they lost the title.
“It meant nothing to us because out defeat against Sunderland and our position [in the league].
“We just played with professional pride, we want to win every game, but we were not in the title race.
“It was a moment that gave the title to Man City.”
Klopp has been handed a boost in the form of Andy Robertson’s return after the Scot missed their 2-0 victory over Porto through suspension.
The fit-again Joe Gomez is available too, having been named on the bench in midweek, and Adam Lallana is set to be in contention despite a recent injury.
Meanwhile, Sarri made seven changes for their Europa League win against Slavia Prague and will recall a number of key players, including Eden Hazard.
Callum Hudson-Odoi was left out on Thursday through tiredness and it is unknown whether the winger will get the nod for an Anfield return.
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