Liverpool vs Chelsea Preview:
Possible starting lineups:
Liverpool:
Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Phillips, Fabinho, Robertson; Thiago, Wijnaldum, Jones; Salah, Firmino, Mane
Chelsea:
Mendy; Azpilicueta, Christensen, Rudiger; James, Kante, Kovacic, Alonso; Mount, Abraham, Werner
Liverpool welcome Chelsea at Anfield in a derby match of the round. At the same time this is a very important game in Top-4 race. Liverpool are in big crisis, regardless of the fact they won the last match against Sheffield United on Sunday. Overall, they have four defeats on the last five matches in the Premier League. What is worse, three of these four defeats came at Anfield. The Reds suffered home defeats to Brighton, Manchester City and Everton, plus a 3:1 loss to Leicester City at King Power Stadium. Liverpool look a long way from the team that won the title last seasons. Worst of all, Anfield is not a fortress anymore. On contrary, they haven't won a home fixture since mid-December when they beat Tottenham thanks to the stoppage time goal from Firmino Six matches after that have produced four defeats and just two draws. It is hard to believe they managed to score just two goals in the process. The attacking trio of Salah, FIrmino and Mane look impotent. Many pundits are debating the reasons for such fall, but according to me, it is the injury situation. As You probably know, all available central defenders are out injured. Virgil van Dijk, Joe Gomez and Joel Matip are long-term injury victims. Fabinho and Henderson, two midfielders that played as centre-backs for most of the time this season, are also struggling with injury. In fact, Henderson will be unavailable for at least two months, while Fabinho has recover and could play here. The new acquisition Ozan Kabak, who came from Schalke in January, had a nightmare debut. It is clear he need time for adaptation, but the matches are coming very quickly. Diogo Jota has returned to full training, but skipped the match against Sheffield due to illness. According to the latest news, Jota should be on the bench here. Goalkeeper Alisson Becker did not play the last game due the tragic death of his father in a swimming accident in Brazil.
Chelsea are also outside Top 4, but a positive result here will prove they are back in contention for the Champions League spots. New manager Thomas Tuchel, who replaced the club legend Frank Lampard, is doing an excellent job. He has won four and drawn three of the seven matches in charge. Chelsea have beat Newcastle, Sheffield United, Tottenham and Burnley, while shared the points with Wolverhampton, Southampton and Manchester United in the last round. The goalless draw at Stamford Bridge was a disappointing game in terms of quality, considering it was second against fifth. Both teams have got much more quality than they showed us there. The busy schedule could be a reason as the players from both teams were tired after playing in Europe during the midweek. In the circumstances, a draw was not a disaster for Chelsea either. The Blues were also successful in the cup competitions. They beat Atletico Madrid 1:0 as guests in the Champions League and the quarter-finals look very close. I believe the players confidence is much higher after that victory. They also secured the FA Cup quarter-finals after beat Barnsley. Knowing the next rivals are bottom-placed Sheffield United, I believe the Blues are very close to the final stage of the European oldest competition. Tuchel has the majority of first-team players ready for this match, only the defender Thiago Silva is doubtful with a muscular problem. He is now back in training but this derby could come too soon for him. Hudson-Odoi was taken off at half time against Manchester United and will be assessed ahead of this match. Tuchel could rotate the players as fresh legs are welcome - Reece James, Christian Pulisic, Werner, Marcos Alonso, Kurt Zouma, Kai Havertz and Jorginho were all on the bench against Manchester United for the weekend. At the end I will mention that Chelsea have not won a league game at Anfield since 2014.
Liverpool vs Chelsea Prediction:
Liverpool are in must win situation. Four successive top-flight defeats have left them in sixth place, 19 points behind leaders Manchester City. The title is lost, but the Reds are out of the Champions League spots. That is why the victory in this match is imperative. I expect full offensive from their side. But Klopp has big defensive issues this season. All three recognized central defenders are out injured, even their replacements are struggling. Nat Phillips and Ozan Kabak, who played on the last match, have formed the Reds' 18th different centre-back partnership of the season. Chelsea have quality players and I expect to take advantage from that situation. At least they are able to score, so I expect goals from both sides.
Liverpool vs Chelsea Pick: Both teams to score - Yes @ 1.69 with
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