Chelsea vs. Liverpool: Key Battles in Premier League Clash at Stamford Bridge

Chelsea entertain Liverpool at Stamford Bridge on Sunday, in a Premier League clash overflowing with the potential for high drama.

Both sides enter the game with a player embroiled in scandal. Chelsea's John Terry and Liverpool's Luis Suarez both stand accused of racial abuse, with Suarez facing FA charges and police reportedly keen to charge Terry.

When you factor in the rivalry between the clubs, which was heated considerably by Champions League semifinal meetings in the 2005, 2007 and 2008, there's good reason to believe sparks will fly in west London.

Here are five key clashes to watch when the two teams continue their footballing debate at 4 p.m. UK time on Sunday.

1. John Terry vs. Luis Suarez

There's no question which battle will draw the most attention on Sunday—that between the two most talked-about footballers in England.

Suarez brings not only red-hot form to Stamford Bridge, but also a scandal that could potentially threaten his position at both Liverpool and the Premier League. Chelsea captain Terry is no stranger to riding a wave of controversy, but racism allegations brought by Anton Ferdinand could yet end his international career and have serious ramifications for Chelsea, too.

Who'll prevail: Both men will go at this game hammer and tongs, as they channel frustrations in what promises to be a ferocious encounter of the accused. Judging by the four goals he scored on international duty with Uruguay, I expect Suarez to win out, however.

As Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish said, the striker appears to thrive in adversity. I fancy him to score, with Terry to pick up at least a booking in his attempts to stop him.

2. Juan Mata vs. Jose Enrique

If Juan Mata starts on the right for Chelsea, as he did against Blackburn, he'll face a battle with fellow Spaniard Jose Enrique on Liverpool's left.

Both men are on the fringes of the Spanish national team, and both have made fine starts to the Premier League season.

Who'll prevail: Enrique wins out on physicality, but I expect Mata to edge this one out with guile and artistry. He's been one of Chelsea's best players so far and will be key to unlocking the Liverpool defense on Sunday.

3. Fernando Torres vs. Martin Skrtel

There's talk Jamie Carragher could return for Liverpool on Sunday, but I'm going under the assumption Kenny Dalglish will stick with the pairing who've kept two consecutive clean sheets in the middle of defense—Martin Skrtel and Daniel Agger.

In fact, in a poll voted by Liverpool fans, 87 percent said they'd opt for Skrtel-Agger as the first choice central pair, regardless of whether Carragher was available.

If that happens, the battle between Skrtel and former Liverpool man Fernando Torres will be a key one.

Who'll prevail: Torres has shown glimpses of the player Liverpool once loved, but I have a feeling the extra adrenaline of the occasion will work to his disadvantage on Sunday. El Nino is desperate to prove a point, but Skrtel will not be in the mood to oblige him.

4. Frank Lampard vs. Lucas Leiva

Frank Lampard is having another hugely influential season for Chelsea. The midfielder has scored six in 10 Premier League games, and also provided four assists.

The man tasked with stopping him on Sunday could well be Liverpool's Lucas Leiva, who most expect to be used deep in midfield by Kenny Dalglish.

Who'll prevail: Lucas is a tough opponent, but Lampard's ability to drift into space has time and again delivered goals for Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. I expect him to win the battle and score.

5. Jose Bosingwa vs. Stewart Downing

Stewart Downing's delivery from Liverpool's left could be a key factor at Stamford Bridge—especially if Andy Carroll starts in attack for the Reds.

The man tasked with denying him space will be Chelsea's Jose Bosingwa, who may well have to sacrifice some of his attacking ambition to do the job properly.

Who'll prevail: This battle is there for the taking. Downing impressed for England against Sweden, but much depends on whether he'll spend most of the afternoon tracking back to cover Bosingwa's forward runs. If Liverpool can find a way to leave him upfield, Downing could thrive in the space left behind. I expect him to provide an assist.

Who'll win the game: I'm going for a 1-1 draw, with Suarez and Lampard on the scoresheet.