Chelsea vs Liverpool Preview:
This is an early preview (wrote on 25.12.2021) and I am well aware of the fact that many things could be changed until January 2. However, I expect the odds for Home win to drop in the upcoming period.
Lets imagine both teams are complete. I will expect Chelsea to win anyway. The Reds were outplayed in the reverse fixture played at Anfield in August, but escaped the defeat after two controversial decision in the finish of the first half - penalty for Liverpool and red card for Reece James. But Liverpool failed to score in the second half and the match ended with an 1:1 draw. According to me, Liverpool didn't deserve to win that match - the Reds had possession, but failed to create some goal opportunity. On contrary, 10-men Chelsea missed two good chances in the second half.
Now about the team news based on my anticipation. Liverpool are set to lose Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane and Naby Keita for the Africa Cup on Nations, which officially kicks off on January 9. The club officials will try to postpone their departure, but it won't be easy because they are obligated to release the mentioned trio. Even more as Egypt and Senegal have big ambitions. Only this is a big handicap, but there is more. Jurgen Klopp will be forced to deal with another selection headache.Because of the postponement of Sunday's Boxing Day clash against Leeds, Andy Robertson will now miss a match against Chelsea in the Premier League. The Reds have confirmed their visit of Leeds United has been called off following a rise in Covid-19 cases among the Leeds camp.
But Liverpool are not immune to Covid-19 too. Four players are in isolation after positive Coronavirus tests - Van Dijk, Fabinho, Thiago and Curtis Jones. The number could be higher until next weekend. Of course, some player could be available, but there are question-marks about his fitness after 10-day period in isolation without trainings.
As conclusion, Klopp could be without two important defenders (Van Dijk and Robertson), without two important midfielders (Fabinho and Thiago) and without key strikers Salah and Mane. All six are simply irreplaceable.
At the end few words about Chelsea. Romelu Lukaku, Callum Hudson-Odoi and Andreas Christensen are back in training. On top of that, Hakim Ziyech has not been called up to the Morocco squad for the Africa Cup on Nations, meaning he will be available to face Liverpool in the Premier League next month. Timo Werner and Ben Chilwell will most probably miss the derby through injury.
Chelsea vs Liverpool Prediction:
Chelsea should win this match. The Blues have the home advantage, however, the key reason for my pick is connect with the fact Liverpool will be very handicapped. Klopp could be without six players, all of them very, very important. According to me, they are irreplaceable - defenders Van Dijk and Robertson, midfielders Fabinho and Thiago, and without key strikers Salah and Mane.
Chelsea vs Liverpool Pick: Chelsea to win @ 2.44 with 1xBet:
