Liverpool FC vs Chelsea FC at Anfield on Thursday for a crucial top 4 battle. Chelsea FC has regained some stability and is still undefeated under new manager Thomas Tuchel, whilst Liverpool will be looking to gain momentum and make up for the recent drop-in form that saw them free-fall down the league table.
Alisson Becker is expected to regain his spot as Liverpool’s number 1 following the death of his father, and Mo Salah will be looking to continue his hot scoring form and get another over his former employers.
Liverpool FC vs Chelsea FC has always created drama, passion and excitement for the fans and this match is no different. Both teams will be aiming to secure a top 4 finish and direct entry into Europe’s elite competition, the UEFA Champions League.
Team News
Defensive midfielder Fabinho is set to return from injury and resume his duties in the middle of the park while forward Diogo Jota returns to the squad following a three-month injury layoff. Goalkeeper Alisson Becker returns following the death of his father.
Liverpool FC vs Chelsea FC is a mouth-watering tie and Jurgen Klopp will need to decide whether to keep inexperience at the center-back position or go for experience and sacrifice in the middle of the park again.
Ozan Kabak has impressed following his loan move but is still largely inexperienced in the Premier League and against tough opposition like Chelsea, Nat Philips partnered up with Ozan at Bramall Lane to become their 17th different partnership pairing and impressed as a pair.
Thiago Silva is still suffering with a thigh issue and will miss the visit to Merseyside while midfielder Callum Hudson-Odoi is fully fit following a minor knee issue and returns to the squad.
Striker Tammy Abraham misses out due to an ongoing ankle complaint and Timo Werner is expected to start over Olivier Giroud.
The Battle- Liverpool FC vs Chelsea FC
Thomas Tuchel’s reign at Chelsea has been impressive so far, and has been compared to the reign of former blues manager, Jose Mourinho. Although Tuchel has brought defensive stability and control to their game, this Chelsea side don’t look devastating and ready to carve opponents apart. They’ve scored just 10 goals in their previous 9 games.
Liverpool at their best are the antithesis of this Chelsea side, all about direct football with chances being created and possession being purposeful. They counter-press efficiently and overwork most teams but the current form of most players isn’t at all vintage Liverpool. Expect Liverpool FC vs Chelsea FC to be very tactical.
Mo Salah has found his scoring form and seems to be the only one in the front three that has his shooting boots on, a delight for them that Diogo Jota has returned and they’ll be hoping that he can continue his impressive form prior to his injury. Another key player that looks to return to form is Trent Alexander-Arnold.
Trent impressed against Sheffield United both offensively and defensively and will look to exploit the Chelsea defense and register his fourth assist of the season, and regain the form that he snatched up during the previous season.
Stats
- Liverpool have won each of their last four Premier League meetings with Chelsea, netting 11 goals and conceding four. The only team to win five in a row against the Blues in the competition is Blackburn (7 between February 1993 and May 1996).
- Liverpool have lost each of their last four Premier League home games, as many as they had in their first 100 at Anfield under manager Jürgen Klopp. The Reds have never lost five consecutive home games in their history, either in the league or all competitions.
- Chelsea have lost their last two away league games against Liverpool, last losing more consecutively at Anfield between September 1992 and October 1997 (6).
For all their dominance at the start of the season, it took just two months to derail Liverpool’s hopes of defending their premier league crown and will hope to cement their spot in the league’s top four. Chelsea FC will be looking to return to Champions League next season so a win over Liverpool will give them the boost that they need.
Who do you think wins the match? Comment below on your score predictions.
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Main Image Credits- Embed from Getty Images
