Introduction
Liverpool and Chelsea go head to head in what will be a mouth-watering encounter. Current champions of The English Premier League will play host to the London outfit.
Why Should You be Watching?
This encounter will be a battle for the Top Four. Manchester City’s current form is unstoppable with them on a 21-match win streak with 15 of the wins in the league. There is a staggering 21 points between the League toppers and Chelsea who lies in fifth. Liverpool is behind them with one point. A win for either side makes them go ahead in the race for the top four. That makes the match more important, doesn’t it?
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Build Up
Liverpool has struggled recently in the League, this saw them drop from the top spot in the league to a position 22 points away from current leaders. Alisson, Fabinho, and Diogo Jota have been seen in training ahead of the home clash with Chelsea. The trio missed their win against Sheffield United but was involved during the week at the AXA Training Centre. Liverpool’s win against relegation struggling Sheffield United is their only win in five league games.
Chelsea have Thiago Silva back from injury and he is training with the squad but it is still in doubt whether he will be available for the clash with Liverpool. Moreover, Christensen’s consistent performance in place for the injured Thiago Silva in the last two weeks has been top-notch. The defence of Chelsea has been solid since the tactical change from two central backs to three centre backs. Hudson Odoi has also been seen back in training despite an injury worry in the match against Manchester United. Chelsea is yet to be beaten since the arrival of Thomas Tuchel despite facing tough oppositions like Tottenham, Athletico Madrid and Manchester United. Despite that, Chelsea has scored just 10 goals in the last 9 games under Thomas Tuchel showing that they have not really been exceptional in front of goal.
Liverpool form in the League: LLLLW
Chelsea form in the League: WWWDD
Head to Head
Liverpool have won 82 of their past 187 meetings, meanwhile Chelsea has won 64 times. Both side have settled for a draw in 41 meetings.
Predicted Lineups
Liverpool
GK- Allison
Defence – Trent, N. Philips, O. Kabak, Robertson
Midfield – Alcantara, G. Wijnaldum, Curtis Jones
Foward- Salah, Firmino, S. Mane
Chelsea
GK- Eduoard Mendy
DEFENCE- Azpilicueta, Christensen, Rudiger,
Midfield- Reece James, Kovacic, Jorginho, Marcus Alonso
Forward- Mason Mount, Kai Havertz, Timo Werner
Players to Watch Out For
Salah
When Salah doesn’t perform, Liverpool doesn’t. He is one of the keyforce in the ability of Liverpool to win games. The Burden of goalscoring for Liverpool has been laid upon the shoulders of two. Salah is one of the two. Before the Sheffield United game, Salah has scored seven of their last 12 goals.
Allison
Allison will be makng a return from an abrupt absence due to the loss of his father. He made a few errors before his absence that had been very costly. A very poor communication between him and the relatively new defenders is evident due to the absence of Van Dijk and Gomez. There would need to be coherence in their backline against the firepower of Chelsea.
Mason Mount
He is arguably Chelsea best player at the moment. 100 percent Mason Mount would be invaluable to Chelsea if they are to win the game.
Timo Werner
He is going to definitely start the game. Timo Werner thrives against team that set up like Liverpool where he get to exploit the space behind Attacking Full-backs. The supply lines for him must be efficient to be able to play to Timo Werner’s strength. But before the game, He has to wear his scoring boots.
Conclusion
The game is definitely going to be an exciting one with attacking threats flying either way of the field. I believe the team that converts their chances will win the game. Let the Race for the top four begin!
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