Liverpool vs Chelsea Preview and Prediction
Liverpool vs Chelsea Preview
Premier League giants Liverpool and Chelsea will lock horns at Anfield on Thursday, February 1 as they both look to get their respective seasons going.
The hosts enter this game on the back of an encouraging run of form. They have lost just once in their last 10 games across competitions – a 2-1 defeat to Union Saint-Gilloise in the Europa League. However, the six wins and three draws have seen them progress to the EFL Cup final and the Fourth Round of the FA Cup. The Reds are first in the PL with 48 points from 21 games and will look to extend their advantage over Manchester City and Arsenal, both on 43.
Chelsea, on the other hand, are slowly but surely climbing up the standings as they look to resurrect their season. They are ninth in the Premier League with 31 points from their 21 games so far. The Blues are in decent form as well, losing twice in their last 10 games, securing seven wins and one draw. They too have progressed to the EFL Cup final and will face the Reds. In the league, they will look to get as close to the European spots as they can and will hope for a miracle between now and the end of the season.
On that note, let’s take a look at the team news for both sides.
Team News & Probable Lineups
Liverpool
The Reds have major injury concerns in defence, with Joel Matip, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Konstantinos Tsimikas all out for several weeks. Meanwhile, superstar Mohamed Salah will also miss out owing to torn knee ligaments.
However, if Salah recovers he will return to represent Egypt at the Africa Cup of Nations and still miss games. Elsewhere, Wataru Endo will miss out due to his commitments to Japan for the AFC Asian Cup.
Manager Jurgen Klopp will stick with his strongest XI that he deployed in the last game and will look to get a win to keep their momentum going.
Probable XI: Alisson (GK), Conor Bradley, Ibrahima Konate, Virgil van Dijk (C). Joe Gomez, Harvey Elliott, Alexis Mac Allister, Curtis Jones, Darwin Nunez, Luis Diaz, Diogo Jota.
Chelsea
The Blues will be without defenders Wesley Fofana (ACL), Marc Cucurella (ankle) and Reece James (hamstring) for the foreseeable future. ‘Keeper Robert Sanchez too may miss out, which means Dorde Petrovic will take the gloves once again. Romeo Lavia is doubtful with a knock.
Elsewhere, striker Nicolas Jackson will be unavailable as he gears up for Senegal’s round of 16 clash in the AFCON.
Manager Mauricio Pochettino will stick with the same XI that defeated Fulham in their last league game as they look to continue the good results.
Probable XI: Dorde Petrovic (GK), Malo Gusto, Axel Disasi, Thiago Silva, Levi Colwill, Moises Caicedo, Enzo Fernandez, Cole Palmer, Conor Gallagher (C), Raheem Sterling, Armando Broja.
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Liverpool vs Chelsea Head-to-Head & Prediction
Last 5 Games H2H (PL)
- Chelsea 1-1 Liverpool (08/23)
- Chelsea 0-0 Liverpool (04/23)
- Liverpool 0-0 Chelsea (01/23)
- Chelsea 2-2 Liverpool (01/22)
- Liverpool 1-1 Chelsea (08/21)
As you can see, there is literally nothing to separate the two sides across their last five league meetings. In between these, they also played out two cup games that were goalless for 120 minutes before being decided in penalties.
This clearly indicates towards another tight game with both Liverpool and Chelsea carrying great form into this fixture. However, goals are likely with players on both teams in good form.
Prediction: Liverpool 2-2 Chelsea.
Betting Tips
- Result: Draw.
- Both Teams to Score: Yes.
- Over 2.5 Goals: Yes.
Odds
- Liverpool Win: 1.63
- Draw: 4.60
- Chelsea Win: 5.40
Top Players to Watch
Liverpool
In Mo Salah’s absence, most of the attacking burden is shouldered by the talented Darwin Nunez, who will be in the spotlight against the Blues. The Uruguayan has bagged 13 goal contributions in the league this season and is only second to Salah (22).
Overall, the 24-year-old has 10 goals and 10 assists in 32 games across competitions this season. His willingness to do well and the passion he does it with can really set Nunez apart from his rivals. He will look to do the same in the next game.
Chelsea
New signing Cole Palmer has been a revelation for the Blues this season, having joined from Manchester City. He already has 13 goal contributions in the Premier League and has become Chelsea’s primary penalty taker as well.
Overall, Palmer has 13 goals and seven assists this season in 27 appearances for Chelsea and City across competitions. He will look to build on that tally as he slowly establishes himself as the Blues’ best player currently.
Liverpool vs Chelsea Timings & Telecast
- Date & Time: Thursday, February 1st 1:45 AM (IST).
- India: Star Sports Network, Hotstar app & website.
- UK: Sky Sports
- US: Peacock Premium.
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