Previewing Liverpool vs. Chelsea – Predictions, Team News, and Projected Lineups
Premier League leaders Liverpool are set to face Chelsea at Anfield on Wednesday night, just weeks before the two teams meet again in the EFL Cup final at Wembley.
In August last year, Mauricio Pochettino, managing Chelsea for the first time at home, welcomed Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool to Stamford Bridge, resulting in an entertaining 1-1 draw.
Following Jurgen Klopp’s announcement about stepping down at the end of the season, Liverpool marked their first match with a commanding 5-2 home victory over Norwich City in the FA Cup fourth round on Sunday.
The Reds capitalized on Norwich’s errors, with Curtis Jones, Darwin Nunez, Diogo Jota, Virgil van Dijk, and Ryan Gravenberch all scoring.
Liverpool’s unbeaten run in all competitions has extended to 10 games, with only one loss in their last 17 matches over the past two and a half months. However, they face a challenge with back-to-back home league fixtures against Chelsea and Arsenal in the next five days.
Despite sitting five points clear at the top of the table, Liverpool is aware of the reigning champions Manchester City, who share the same points with Arsenal and Aston Villa in third and fourth, respectively, and have a game in hand.
Liverpool’s 22-game unbeaten league run at Anfield has created optimism, but recent encounters with Chelsea have resulted in seven consecutive draws, including four 0-0 stalemates – the longest such streak between top-flight teams in English football history.
An incredible angle of a truly unforgettable strike 🤯#LIVCHE pic.twitter.com/J4t56YrvQl
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) January 30, 2024
After securing a spot in the EFL Cup final with a 6-1 victory over Middlesbrough, Chelsea settled for a goalless draw with Aston Villa in the FA Cup fourth round.
Despite a commendable 10-game unbeaten run at Stamford Bridge, Chelsea’s recent away form is concerning, having lost five of their last six games on the road.
Chelsea has lost only two of their last 11 visits to Anfield, with defeats in April 2019 (2-0) and July 2020 (5-3). Additionally, they hold a Premier League record of 18 wins against teams starting the day at the top of the table.
Anfield awaits. ⏳ pic.twitter.com/ltlySpiMQh
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) January 30, 2024
With three consecutive top-flight wins, Chelsea has climbed to ninth in the table and aims to leapfrog Manchester United and potentially Brighton & Hove Albion into European places. Despite the seven-game drawing streak between the two teams, Liverpool’s impressive record at Anfield gives them an edge.
For Chelsea to secure a positive result at Anfield, they cannot afford another frustrating spell in front of goal. Even if they manage to breach Liverpool’s backline, it is expected that Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool will outscore their West London counterparts on the path to a crucial victory.
Previewing Liverpool vs. Chelsea – Predictions, Team News, and Projected Lineups
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