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Liverpool vs Chelsea: 04/03/2021 – match preview and predicted starting XIs

Liverpool vs Chelsea

Date: 04/03/2021

K/O: 20:15

Venue: Anfield 

Referee: Craig Pawson

TV: Sky Sports

It’s Klopp vs Tuchel and it’s Liverpool vs Chelsea. The former Dortmund managers go head-to-head in a mouthwatering clash at Anfield on Thursday night.

The battle of the German tacticians could prove pivotal in the race for the top four, as only a single point separates the two rivals. A win for The Reds puts an end to Tuchel’s unbeaten run and would see Liverpool leapfrog Chelsea into the fifth spot.

Last time out Liverpool beat Sheffield United 2-0 in a routine win at Bramall Lane. Curtis Jones scored the opener for The Reds, slotting home Trent Alexander-Arnold’s cross. Roberto Firmino then created the second, dancing between defenders, before his deflected shot ended up in the back of the net. The goal was given as an own goal by Kean Bryan, making it 2-0 Liverpool and securing all three precious points.

Chelsea’s last game ended 0-0 at Stamford Bridge as Manchester United frustrated the hosts in a goalless draw. Much of the possession was controlled by Chelsea as they looked the more attacking side.  De Gea was United’s best player, the Spaniard produced two fantastic saves in the second half which helped The Red Devils cling on to a clean sheet and one vital point. Despite drawing at home, Chelsea looked the better side and dominating second-placed Manchester United will have given them plenty of confidence coming into this Thursday’s clash at Anfield.

Liverpool have not been on the best of form recently and the table reflects that. The sixth-placed Reds have dropped out of the title race, fallen out of Champions league spots and now look desperate for points. One win in their last five, which came last week, is simply not good enough. In fact, the win ended a run of four straight league defeats.

Regardless of their extenuating circumstances, Liverpool must pick themselves up and do their absolute best. Their troubles remain mostly self-inflicted, which is something deeply concerning and infuriating for Jurgen Klopp. Liverpool’s loss to Leicester City blossomed from a defensive disaster when Allison and Kabak collided. The loss to Manchester City came from two goalkeeping errors and the defeat to Brighton came from the failure to mark a player in their own six-yard box. Too many mistakes combined with dismal finishing is one reason why The Reds have fallen behind.

Chelsea’s form could not be more contrary to their opponents. Since the Tuchel takeover, on 29 January, Chelsea have played nine games: winning six and drawing three. An impressive start to say the least. Tuchel has clearly focused his attention on Chelsea’s defensive vulnerability with Chelsea managing to keep seven clean sheets in those nine games.

The most impressive victory of them all came in the Champions League when they beat La Liga giants Atletico Madrid 1-0 in Spain.

The majority of Liverpool’s losses have actually come at home this season, which is something completely unheard of considering the stature of Anfield. The Reds have lost seven games in total this season – four of those at home. In recent years this fixture has certainly produced some fantastic games. The combination of current form and tactics creates a stunning prospect for Thursday’s game, and it could go either way at Anfield.

Team News 

Liverpool 

Liverpool welcomed Allison, Jota and Fabinho back to first-team training this week. Klopp will be hopeful they can play a part in this Thursday’s clash. Keita also provided an injury boost against Sheffield United last week, completing a 20-minute cameo following a lengthy spell on the side-line.

Van Dijk, Joe Gomez and Joel Matip remain long-term absentees. In midfield, Liverpool are without captain Jordan Henderson, who faces six to eight weeks out with a groin injury.

Chelsea 

Tuchel will be pleased to have almost a fully fit squad for the visit to Merseyside. Thiago Silva remains the only doubt for Thursday, having not played in Chelsea’s last four games.

Elsewhere The Blues could field their strongest side. Tuchel’s biggest decision is to decide who starts in attack. Olivier Giroud is in fine form but completed 70 minutes against Manchester United last week. This leaves Timo Werner, who only played 10 minutes last week. Abraham could be in with a shout if Tuchel wants to freshen things up.

Predicted Starting XIs

Liverpool (4-3-3): Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Kabak, Fabinho, Robertson; Thiago Alcántara, Wijnaldum, Jones; Salah, Firmino, Mane

Chelsea (3-4-2-1): Mendy; Azpilicueta, Zouma, Rudiger; James, Kovacic, Kante, Chilwell; Mount, Werner; Abraham

Score Prediction: Liverpool 2-1 Chelsea

Liverpool haven’t been great recently and that’s no secret. Chelsea on the other hand, have been flying. Liverpool’s triple injury boost this week could prove enough for The Reds to get all three points. Chelsea also played out a hard-fought game in Madrid last week, in which Liverpool had a comfortable trip to Sheffield. With Fabinho back in the heart of defence and Jota finishing Liverpool’s wasted chances, this could be the turning of the tide for The Reds.

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