Chelsea vs Liverpool: Famous rivalry is the most-contested game of the 21st century with incredible 52 clashes already
Jurgen Klopp takes his Reds side to Stamford Bridge to battle Antonio Conte and Co in the 53rd match-up since 2000
CHELSEA and Liverpool are preparing for yet another instalment of their famous, modern-era rivalry in the second Friday Night Football of the campaign.
The latest clash between the bitter foes - now led by Antonio Conte and Jurgen Klopp - is set to be another thriller as both sides hunt a Champions League place for next season - or perhaps more.
But did you know, Chelsea v Liverpool is the most-contested English match-up this century, with an outrageous 52 showdowns already.
That's right, since 2000, the Blues and Reds have taken to the turf to do battle an average of around three times per season.
Of course, the bloated mid-00s era when the duo seemed to take each other on on a weekly basis swells the numbers slightly... Who could forget Luis Garcia's 'Ghost Goal'?
That Rafa Benitez v Jose Mourinho era was truly something special... With Champions League, Premier League, FA Cup and League Cup thrillers all on display.
But which side has come out on top during all of those clashes - including the 2005 Champions League semi-final, the 2012 FA Cup final and of course, a dozens of Prem encounters?
It's actually Chelsea who have the lead at present, winning 22 of the 52 matches, with Liverpool taking 17 wins.
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Chelsea v Liverpool: 2000-present
WIN RECORD
Chelsea - 22
Liverpool - 17
Draws - 13
There have been 13 stalemates between the two sides since the turn of the new millennium.
Amazingly, Chelsea feature in all three of the most-contested English clashes, including against Manchester United and Arsenal.
Their 43 games against Everton also cracks the top six, while Arsenal v Man United and Arsenal v Liverpool take fourth and fifth on the list.
Now check out all of the stats ahead of Chelsea v Liverpool on Friday night, kick-off at 8pm.
