Half-time: Chelsea 1 Liverpool 1

Philippe Coutinho equalised for Liverpool in the final seconds of the first half at Stamford Bridge, where Ramires had put Chelsea ahead after just four minutes.

Ramires, who signed a new four-year contract this week, got in front of Alberto Moreno to head home Cesar Azpilicueta’s left-wing cross – his fourth goal of the season.

The Brazilian lined up in midfield alongside John Mikel Obi, with Cesc Fabregas dropped to the substitutes’ bench where he was joined by Nemanja Matic, who was left out despite being available again after a ban.

Diego Costa was passed fit for the Blues, having hobbled off during the midweek defeat at Stoke after taking a knock to his ribs.

Liverpool on the other hand are playing without a recognised striker but have looked a threat and Asmir Begovic had to be alert to deny Adam Lallana after the Reds midfielder had been found by James Milner’s cross.

Begovic also gathered a header from Lucas – again after a cross by Milner – as Jurgen Klopp’s side continued to press.

But the Chelsea keeper was beaten when Coutinho collected Roberto Firmino’s pass and cleverly evaded Ramires before curling into the far corner despite John Terry’s desperate attempt to block the shot.

Chelsea: Begovic; Zouma, Cahill, Terry, Azpilicueta; Mikel, Ramires; Willian, Oscar, Hazard; Costa.
Subs: Amelia, Baba, Matic, Fabregas, Kenedy, Falcao, Remy.

Liverpool: Mignolet, Clyne, Skrtel, Sakho, Moreno, Lucas, Can, Milner, Lallana, Coutinho, Firmino.
Subs: Bogdan, Lovren, Benteke, Allen, Ibe, Teixeira, Randall.