Liverpool FC vs Chelsea FC: Team News, Tactics, Lineups, Stats & Prediction

A match between Liverpool FC and Chelsea FC at this stage of the season would normally be an intensely fought affair with something at stake for at least one of the two sides.

However, both the sides will turn up at Anfield on Wednesday with nothing more than pride to play for and  to finish the season on a winning note. The game holds a bit more meaning for Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool, who are preparing for next week’s Europa League final against Sevilla.

Liverpool are likely to be more pumped up for this match though, as they have the perfect chance to do the double over Chelsea, and break a four year duck against the Blues at Anfield.

Team News & Tactics

Liverpool FC

After resting eight of his first team players in the weekend win over Watford, Jurgen Klopp is likely to bring back his main players into the fold for the Chelsea game. Simon Mignolet, Alberto Moreno and Philippe Coutinho were the only three first team regulars to start in the weekend. Klopp is likely to change his whole first team barring these three players.

With Mamadou Sakho suspended for using an illegal substance, Kolo Toure has suddenly become a regular starter at centre-back alongside Dejan Lovren. Klopp is expected to reinstate the duo back in defence, along with right back Nathaniel Clyne.

James Milner and Emre Can are set to take charge of the Liverpool midfield again, replacing Kevin Stewart and Joe Allen, with the trio of Philippe Coutinho, Roberto Firmino, and Adam Lallana operating as the three creative midfielders in front of them.

The attack will definitely be led by former Chelsea man Daniel Sturridge, as Divock Origi has been ruled out of the match due to an ankle injury, and Klopp has not shown much trust in Christian Benteke.

The Liverpool players finally look like they are getting used to Klopp’s methods, and that has been reaping the desired results over the last couple of months. Although these results have not quite manifested themselves in the league yet, the cup competitions have been a completely different scenario. Klopp has taken the Reds to two cup finals (League Cup and Europa League) in his very first season in charge at the club.

With Chelsea struggling to get their game going this season, Liverpool could end up ripping the blues apart with their swift passing movement and quick counter attacks.

Possible Starting XI (4-2-3-1): Mignolet; Moreno, Lovren, Toure, Clyne; Milner, Can; Coutinho, Firmino, Lallana; Sturridge.

Chelsea FC

There are two huge absentees for Chelsea ahead of the game against Liverpool on Wednesday night. Striker Diego Costa (hamstring) and defender Branislav Ivanovic (groin) have both been ruled out of the match  due to injuries. The Serbian had to be taken off on the 68th minute of Chelsea’s 3-2 defeat at Sunderland in the weekend. Manager Guus Hiddink also confirmed that the duo might be a doubt for the final game of the season against champions elect Leicester City at Stamford Bridge.

Ivanovic’s absence causes a few concerns for Chelsea in defence, especially because captain John Terry is suspended after picking up a red card in the Sunderland game. Winter signing Matt Maizga is set to play at centre-back alongside Gary Cahill, with Cesar Azpilicueta shifting to right back, and Baba Rahman slotting in at left back.

Pedro Rodriguez is also a doubt for this game after the Spaniard broke his nose in an off-field incident. The 28 year old has flown to Italy for a surgery, though Hiddink has not ruled him out. Pedro might play some part in the match with a face mask on.

Meanwhile, Bertrrand Traore may replace Costa up front. The Burkina Faso international has impressed in his few games at Chelsea, scoring two goals and providing one assist from six Premier League appearances.

Possible Starting XI (4-2-3-1): Courtois; Rahman, Maizga, Cahill, Azpilicueta; Mikel, Matic; Hazard, Fabregas, Willian; Traore.

Key Stats

• Liverpool have been unable to beat Chelsea at Anfield for the last four years.
• The Reds are unbeaten in their last seven home matches at Anfield in the Premier League.
• Chelsea have scored two or more goals in five of their last six away matches in the Premier League.
• The Blues have conceded nine goals in their last five Premier League matches.

Players to watch out for

Adam Lallana (Liverpool)

The England international is in hot form at the moment, and could play a crucial role in the match. He scored the third goal in the Europa League semi final second leg against Villarreal at the 81st minute, which put the match beyond all doubts. With half of the first choice Chelsea defenders ruled out of this game, Lallana could play a key role in threading balls through to the attackers.

Willian (Chelsea)

Willian has been Chelsea’s best player this season, scoring five goals and providing six assists in the Premier League so far. Although he has not been as consistent in the last few games, Willian has still contributed with a goal and an assist in the 4-1 win against Bournemouth and the 2-2 draw against Tottenham Hotspur. The Brazilian needs to dictate the play if Chelsea are to have any chance of getting a result out of this game.

Prediction

Liverpool FC 4-1 Chelsea FC

It is difficult to imagine Chelsea getting anything out of this match on their current form. Although the Blues have shown good form against the top sides, Liverpool are a team that can absolutely rip apart a side that is inattentive in defence.

Blast from the past