A 20th-minute header from John Terry has given Chelsea a 1-0 half-time lead over Liverpool in this afternoon's Premier League showdown.

Roberto Di Matteo's side almost forced an opening in the sixth minute when Oscar caught Joe Allen in possession and found himself through on goal, but ballooned his shot.

Liverpool dominated the early possession but were wasteful up front, and Chelsea punished them for this in the 20th minute.

Brendan Rodgers's side were woefully ineffective at defending an Oscar corner, and Blues defender Terry leaped up unmarked to head beyond Brad Jones for 1-0.

Fernando Torres had the opportunity to put one past his former club on 26 minutes when Eden Hazard lined him up in the danger area, but he directed his shot straight at Jones.

Liverpool had their first clear-cut chance on the half-hour mark through Nuri Sahin, but the midfielder dragged his shot across the face of Petr Cech's goal.

Terry's afternoon came to a premature end when he picked up an injury in a challenge with Luis Suarez. However, his side go into the break one up.