Liverpool FC v Chelsea FC – Match Preview
Vinolin Naidoo gives his thoughts on today’s late kick-off with Liverpool welcoming Chelsea’s to Anfield. A six-pointer even at this early stage of the season.
Match Preview
Saturday afternoon Liverpool welcome Chelsea to Anfield in a key league encounter. Both teams come into the game in very different form based on their midweek adventures in the Champions league. Liverpool somehow managed to throw away a 3-goal lead to draw a disappointing game with Sevilla. Chelsea on the other hand, smashed Qarabag 4-0 in Azerbaijan. Both teams will be looking for a win to carry momentum into the upcoming midweek league games.
Last Meeting: Liverpool 1-1 Chelsea (31 January 2017)
The last meeting between both sides ended in a 1-1 stalemate last season. A controversial David Luiz free kick gave the Blues an early lead. Georgino Wijnaldum managed to salvage a draw for the Reds. It could have been heartbreak for the Reds but Simon Mignolet saved a late penalty from Diego Costa.
Team and Injury News
Liverpool had received mixed news on the injury front this week. Joel Matip has returned to first team training and is in contention to start this game. Emre Can, however picked up a small niggle in Seville and is a major doubt for the game. Nathaniel Clyne is still a long term injury casualty.
Manager Antonio Conte has a few worries of his own for this encounter. Victor Moses is struggling to be fit. Michi Batshuayi and Kenedy are also doubts. Alvaro Morata should lead the line for the Blues after he started on the bench in their midweek Champions League win.
Predicted Lineup
LFC (4-3-3): Mignolet, Gomez, Matip, Lovren, Moreno, Wijnaldum, Henderson, Coutinho, Mane, Salah, Firmino
CHE (3-5-1-1): Courtois, Cahill, Christensen, Azpi, Alonso, Bakayoko, Kante, Fabregas, Zappacosta, Hazard, Morata
Prediction
Liverpool 1-1 Chelsea – Both teams tend to score when they face each other and Saturday should be no different. This should be a good game to watch for the neutral with end to end football on display. With the hectic schedule currently ongoing, both managers will be happy with a point in this encounter.
Follow Vinolin on Twitter: @vinolin_naidoo
