Midweek action in England will take us to Anfield this Thursday night, as Premier League football never ends. Klopp will welcome his former successor in their first duel this season, as he’s in desperate need of a win at home. This is Liverpool Vs Chelsea – An All German Battle.
Match Preview
Liverpool’s downgrade as of late, saw them slip under the blues in the standings, although just one point separate them as this match could be crucial for both. On the other hand, Chelsea are still unbeaten under Tuchel. For how long you think we can keep saying that? Will the Reds hand them their first loss? Let’s take a look at how both teams approach this game.
Liverpool FC
The Reds head into this game with a desperate need of another three points, having already secured a much needed win on Sunday. Just 2 points separate them from the 4th spot, as Klopp will try to re-integrate the top 4 again, only this time will hope to keep his place. Before Sunday’s win, Liverpool were on a 4-games losing streak, including the Merseyside derby at home which they lost 2-0. In fact, the Reds have lost each of their last 4 Premier League home games, as many as they had in their first 100 at Anfield under manager Jรผrgen Klopp. They have never lost 5 consecutive home games in their history, either in the league or in all competitions. Will it finally happen Thursday night?
On the bright side, Liverpool have won each of their last 4 Premier League meetings with Chelsea. They could become only the second team in Premier League history to win five consecutive matches against them. In addition, Tuchel faced Klopp 14 times in all competitions, winning just 2 while losing more against him than any other manager in his career with top-flight clubs, 9 times. How will the 15th meeting between them end?
Chelsea FC
The Blues head into this game with a 0-0 draw against United, extending their unbeaten run under Tuchel to 9 games in all competitions. In fact, Thomas can become only the 3rd Chelsea manager to start his tenure with a 10-match unbeaten run in all competitions when he visits his compatriot Thursday night. Chelsea’s resurgent form saw them in 5th place, just 1 point away from the Hammers who are also having a breakthrough season. With a win in his CL debut as well, Tuchel is transforming Chelsea’s season into a successful one again. Can he keep it up?
On the other hand, Chelsea have lost their last 2 away league games against Liverpool, as the new manager will try to fix that Thursday night. Tuchel’s job is far from finished, as matches against Everton, City, Arsenal and Leicester awaits. In addition to the CL return leg of course. However, even a draw tomorrow would make them tied for 4th place, as they will also prepare to take on West Ham later on. There’s still plenty to play for if you are Chelsea, it would be interesting to see how Tuchel will approach this tight schedule. On papers, Chelsea have one of the strongest teams in the league and are more than capable of causing Klopp’s men some needless problems.
Team News
Klopp confirmed that Jota should finally be back against Chelsea and Fabinho is very close to returning as well. Adrian covered Alisson’s place on Sunday, following the sudden death of the Brazilian’s father. It is not yet clear whether he could feature against Chelsea or not. After all, family is always more important than anything. On the bright side, Keita was finally back and got some much needed minutes as he works towards full match fitness. Below are the players that should be ready to feature against Chelsea, who will Klopp choose? It’s been a while for the Reds to have some healthy players to pick from.
As for the Blues, Thiago Silva missed the game against United but he’s back in team training. Besides that, the team look fit and healthy, with super Kante back in the mix as well. However, Tuchel was forced to make a sub taking Hodson Odoi out against United. It’s not clear if he’s fit for Thursday’s clash or not.
Prediction & Current Odds
Liverpool Vs Chelsea – An All German Battle. Bottom line is, we expect this to be a tight game since both teams are in need of a precious win. For Liverpool more of course, having already lost 4 straight before grabbing a win on Sunday. Klopp will look to build on that to capitalize against Chelsea as well. For the Reds fans, a draw might not seem as a good result, but it could be a stepping stone for the next “more simple” fixtures. Would they take it though? As for Chelsea, they already turned their season around, in a good way that is unlike Liverpool. The Blues will look to keep their strong performances coming as their schedule gets more and more complicated. This fixture have seen a lot of goalless draws along the years, could we be heading into one this time as well? Chelsea’s defense will be ready for that, as they have conceded just 2 goals in 9 games since the German took the reins. The question remains though, can Liverpool stay compacted in the back?
- Draw: 3.60
- Under 2.5 goals: 1.80
- Both Team To Score (No) : 2.10
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