Liverpool will host Chelsea at Anfield later today. This is the first time Thomas Tuchel and Jurgen Klopp will take on each other in the Premier League. It promises to be a closely fought encounter, as Liverpool finally ended their losing run last weekend, while Chelsea are still unbeaten under Tuchel.
The match has further significance in terms of the two teams’ current league positions. Liverpool can go above Chelsea with a win, and boost their chances of finishing in the top four.
Liverpool are slowly getting some of their injured players back, and they will now look to go on a good run after beating Sheffield United on Sunday.
Liverpool Team News
Jurgen Klopp said after Sunday night’s win over Sheffield United that he expects the trio Fabinho and Allison Becker to be available against Chelsea, and their return to the team will be a big boost.
Diogo Jota is also back, but it remains to be seen if he will play a part. With Fabinho back in the lineup, it’ll be a matter of whether he’ll be joined in defence by Ozan Kabak or Nat Phillips, or return to his regular midfield role.
Predicted Liverpool Lineup vs Chelsea (4-3-3)
Goalkeeper
Allison will be back in goal for the match against Chelsea. The Brazilian will hope to put aside the personal tragedy of losing his father and muster a strong performance against Chelsea.
Defence
We expect Ozan Kabak and Fabinho to feature as the central defensive pair, with Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andy Robertson playing as the full-backs.
Both the fullbacks will expected to raise their level in the coming weeks, as they tend to play a key role in the attacking third for the Reds.
Midfield
Klopp will entrust the midfield duties to Gini Wijnaldum, Thiago Alcantara, and Curtis Jones. Jones has been an influential player for Liverpool in the last couple of weeks. He deserves to keep his place.
With James Milner and Naby Keita available, Klopp will have some options to bring off the bench.
Attack
Liverpool have no better choice other than to go with the trio of Roberto Firmino, Mohamed Salah, and Sadio Mane. If Jota is passed fit, he could perhaps get a few minutes off the bench late in the game.