Liverpool entertain Chelsea at Anfield in an early lunchtime kick-off on Saturday in what promises to be a mouthwatering Premier League clash.
The ninth-placed Liverpool and 10th-placed Chelsea only have 28 points to show from their Premier League outings approaching the midway point of the season, although the hosts hold a game in hand over their weekend’s opponents.
After being thrashed 3-0 by Brighton away, the Reds responded with a narrow 1-0 win over Wolves to book a spot in the FA Cup fourth round. Chelsea, on the other hand, ended their two-game losing run in the league by beating London rivals Crystal Palace 1-0 at Stamford Bridge to ease some pressure off Graham Potter’s shoulders.
Having said that, let us take a look at the key battles that could prove decisive in this game.
#Lewis Hall vs Mohamed Salah
Lewis Hall can feel confident of keeping his place in the Chelsea backline after a couple of encouraging displays. Having got the nod ahead of Marc Cucurella at left-back, Lewis held his own against Michael Olise and co. in Chelsea’s 1-0 win over Palace last weekend.
However, facing Mohamed Salah should be a different test altogether for the teenager. Salah came off the bench against Wolves in the FA Cup tie in midweek, so he should be fairly fresh to start at the weekend.
The Egyptian is one of the best forwards in the Premier League and can create a chance out of nothing. As a result, Hall will definitely have his work cut out in this encounter.
#Thiago Alcantara vs Mateo Kovacic
Thiago Alcantara is the beating heart of this Liverpool side. When he plays well, the Reds automatically look like a dominant side. The Spaniard’s passing ability and vision to deliver the ball to his teammates in the final third is incredible.
To stop Liverpool from playing their natural game, Chelsea will need to stop Thiago from spraying balls left, right and centre. It will be a tough task and Mateo Kovacic will have his work cut out. Expected to start in a double pivot with Jorginho, Kovacic has to keep a close check on the Liverpool midfielder and neutralise his impact in the game.
It will be an interesting midfield battle between Thiago and Kovacic and whoever comes on top should have a big say in their team’s fortunes.
#Mykhaylo Mudryk vs Trent Alexander-Arnold
Chelsea new boy Mykhaylo Mudryk will be in contention to make his debut on Saturday, and he could potentially be thrown into the deep end, as Joao Felix is suspended, Raheem Sterling and Christian Pulisic are out injured and Kai Havertz was not seen in training on Wednesday for mysterious reasons.
The Ukraine international could start on the left flank in Chelsea’s 4-2-3-1 formation. Fearless, aggressive and pacey with fine dribbling skills, Mudryk will look to take the game to Liverpool right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold, who has blown hot and cold this season.
Alexander-Arnold’s defensive deficiencies are well-known, something Mudryk will look to exploit every time he gets on the ball. This has the makings of one of their more decisive battles. The balancing act for Alexander-Arnold is not giving Mudryk too much time and space on the ball, while finding a way to try pinning him back as much as possible.