A big occasion at the start of the new year, it’s Chelsea vs Liverpool in the Premier League. Third-placed Liverpool will travel to London at Stamford Bridge to face second-placed Chelsea.
Both sides had a disappointing end to 2021, with Liverpool losing to Leicester. Meanwhile, Chelsea were held by Brighton in a controversial fashion.
Chelsea vs Liverpool: Match Preview
Prior to Leicester game at King Power Stadium, Liverpool enjoyed six days break as the Boxing Day tie with Leeds got postponed with the Covid outbreak at Marcelo Bielsa’s camp.
But the Reds weren’t at their best to overcome injury and Covid hit Leicester’s side. Even though the Reds dominated the game, Foxes winger Ademola Lookman’s strike got Brendan Roger’s side an important win.
Current leaders Man City have eight points cushion at the top and nine-point above Klopp’s side. The three-horse race for the league title has dropped recently with Chelsea and Liverpool both losing plot in the race.
Among both the German technicians, Tuchel has been a more frustrated one. As his Chelsea side is growing in the absentee list and dropping points in the last three home games.
Liverpool should look to capitalize on Chelsea’s recent struggles and their unsettled squad. And Klopp & Co. needs to avoid dropping points in London.
The Reds are winless in the last three Premier League games in London this season (D2, L1).
And moreover, Liverpool doesn’t have encouraging results against reigning European Champions, as the Reds are winless in six games against reigning European Champions in all competitions. They previously won 4-1 at Manchester United in March 2009.
And after losing four consecutive Premier League games against Liverpool between 2019 and 2020, the Blues have won the last two fixtures against the Reds. But both wins coming at Anfield.
On the contrary, Liverpool have registered wins in the last two Premier League games at Stamford Bridge.
With both two sides playing out a dramatic 1-1 draw at Anfield back in August, and winners of Champions League in recent years, an intriguing game awaits at Stanford bridge given the history of this fixture.
Team News
Liverpool’s first-choice full-back Andrew Robertson will miss the game. The Scotsman serves his third and final game of suspension following his sending off against Tottenham.
Divock Origi, Nat Phillips, Adrian, and Harvey Elliott will continue to be absent. Meanwhile, the African trio of Mo Salah, Sadio Mane, and Naby Keita are available ahead of the forthcoming Africa Cup of Nations.
But Takumi Minamino and Thiago Alcantara are acutely doubtful for the game, but hopes are high for their return into the matchday squad.
Liverpool probable starting line up:
Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Matip, Van Dijk, Tsimikas; Henderson, Fabinho, Keita; Salah, Jota, Mane
Leicester City vs Liverpool: What Anfield Home Predicts
Thomas Tuchel recently claims that it would be “stupid” to think his depleted side is capable of competing for top-flight glory.
And the Blues’ depleted and potentially youthful defense is surely come to Liverpool’s benefit on Sunday. And moreover, League top scorer Mo Salah will like to leave a mark against his former club before leaving for AFCON.
With both sides low in confidence, there is an anticipation of a tight contest. But Liverpool have the players to make the most of a depleted Chelsea defense and a tight 2-1 victory looks likely for the visitors.
