Chelsea and Liverpool are the closest to challenging Manchester City for their Premier League title. Both stand at a crucial stage where even the slightest slip can undo all the efforts they have put in till now. Chelsea is closest to Manchester City in the hunt for the English Championship but Liverpool has a game in hand which could be crucial later on if they manage to stay in the title race. While Manchester City has been flawless Liverpool and Chelsea are struggling due to matching the pace of City.
For Chelsea victory is the only way to ensure their title hopes are alive. Chelsea’s record at home has been inconsistent with 5 wins, 4 draws and a defeat. Their struggle to convert drawers into victories has been evident in the majority of their home games. Liverpool’s quick counterattack will certainly be a challenge for their defence which is leaking goals more often in comparison to the beginning of the season. Kante, Rudiger and Silva will be crucial in Chelsea’s defensive front.
For Liverpool, a victory or a draw will be the best possible outcome from this fixture. A draw will ensure that they can live to fight for another day. A defeat will ensure Chelsea’s survival. There is a lot of uncertainty regarding Liverpool’s upcoming fixtures due to the AFCON Cup. But against Chelsea Salah, Mane and Keita availability has been confirmed. Klopp’s challenge will increase after Chelsea. Their squad depth will be pushed to their limits.
Chelsea vs Liverpool Team News
For Chelsea, their camp has been unnerved by the recent comments made by Lukaku regarding his life after Inter and how he feels regarding Tuchel tactics. Other than this Chilwell, James, Werner and Christen will remain sidelined against Liverpool.
Liverpool will miss Minamino, Thiago and Elliot due to COVID and injury.
Chelsea vs Liverpool Predicted Line-ups
Chelsea -3-4-3
(GK) E. Mendy
(CB) A. Rudiger
(CB) C. Azpilicueta
(CB) T. Chalobah
(CM) Jorginho
(CM) N. Kante
(LM) M. Alonso
(RM) H. Ziyech
(ST) K. Havertz
(RW) C. Hudson Odoi
(LW) C. Pulisic
Liverpool 4-3-3
(GK) Alisson
(CB) I. Konate
(CB) V. Van Dijk
(LB) K. Tsimikas
(RB) T. A. Arnold
(CM) J. Henderson
(CM) Fabinho
(CM) N. Keita
(RW) M. Salah
(ST) D. Jota
(LW) S. Mane
Chelsea vs Liverpool Match Prediction : Chelsea 1-1 Liverpool
With the quality and tactical ability of both managers, it won’t be a surprise to see both of them move towards a defensive approach rather than attacking and pressing relentlessly. Liverpool will keep their pressing game however it may not be used as it is against other teams. Chelsea is certainly struggling to score and Lukaku's comments may sideline him for the next game. A 1-1 draw is the most likely outcome.
