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Evening Standard
Evening Standard
Sport
Jack Rosser

Chelsea vs Liverpool: The key battles that could decide FA Cup fifth-round clash

Premier League heavyweights Chelsea and Liverpool meet at Stamford Bridge for a place in the FA Cup quarter-finals.

Frank Lampard's side are hoping to bounce back after successive disappointing results against Bayern Munich and Bournemouth, while the visitors had a shock to the system at the weekend as they suffered a rare defeat at Watford.

Lampard has vowed to field a strong team against Liverpool, though Jurgen Klopp is expected to ring the changes in this competition once again.

Here, football correspondent Jack Rosser examines three key battles that are likely to prove crucial to the outcome on Tuesday night....

Michy Batshuayi vs Dejan Lovren

Point to prove: Michy Batshuayi (Getty Images)

With his limp display against Manchester United last month, Batshuayi wasted a chance to show that the Blues were right not to sign a striker in January.

He has fallen below Olivier Giroud in the pecking order and has a point to prove on Tuesday night.

Lovren came in for heavy criticism as Liverpool’s invincibles bid came to an end at Watford, and the defender will also want to answer some critics.

Marcos Alonso vs Neco Williams

Tough test: Neco Williams (REUTERS)

Chelsea full-back Alonso has had quite a few days, from scoring against Spurs to being sent off against Bayern Munich and then claiming a brace at Bournemouth.

The Spaniard has impressed since his return to the side and will be some match for 18-year-old Williams.

Mateo Kovacic vs Adam Lallana

Consistent presence: Mateo Kovacic (AP)

Two players more than capable of dictating proceedings with the ball at their feet.

Kovacic has blown hot and cold at times but is slowly becoming a more consistent presence, capable of sharp exchanges or driving runs.

Lallana is now being used more as a holding midfielder by Klopp and, equally, can be Liverpool’s metronome in the middle.

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