Liverpool returns to Premier League action this week in what could prove to be a decisive run of fixtures. The Reds welcome Chelsea to Anfield on Wednesday night before taking on title rivals Arsenal at the Emirates.
Jürgen Klopp’s side has already won there in the FA Cup this season and another victory will put Liverpool in a great position to go on and win the title. Ahead of the fixtures, Liverpool sits five points clear at the top of the table.
Champion Manchester City does have a game in hand and will look to close the gap when it hosts struggling Burnley, while Arsenal faces a tricky trip to Nottingham Forest this midweek. Aston Villa and Tottenham, who remain in the race, will take on Newcastle and Brentford.
Klopp’s men will only focus on themselves though and have gone 14 games without defeat in the Premier League. And with several key men returning from injury, Liverpool seems to be in a great moment right now despite Klopp’s announcement that he will leave this summer.
Everton move for Liverpool target
Everton could make a late bid for Benfica midfielder Florentino Luís, who has previously been on Liverpool’s radar. The 24-year-old was reportedly being scouted by the Reds and Manchester United earlier this season, according to the 90min.
Florentino has played 20 times for Benfica this season but that has not stopped Everton registering its interest. Sean Dyche is eager to add reinforcements if possible before Thursday’s deadline and is exploring a move for Luis.
According to Ben Jacobs, Everton has a ‘genuine interest’ in the player and would look to sign him on loan until the end of the campaign. It is stated he remains highly rated by Benfica and it is unclear if the Portuguese giants would sanction a move, with his release clause worth $130m (£103m/€120m). A sale will not happen this month for below that price.
Everton remains in trouble at the wrong end of the Premier League and is looking to strengthen to boost its survival push. Dyche has recently lost Abdoulaye Doucouré to injury.
Colwill a doubt for Anfield clash
Chelsea is set to make a late decision on defender Levi Colwill ahead of Wednesday night’s clash with Liverpool. The England international withdrew from the FA Cup clash with Aston Villa after picking up an injury in the warm-up.
The Blues were confident it was not a serious injury but Colwill again missed training on Monday and it remains to be seen if he will be risked at Anfield. The Standard reports that Ben Chilwell, who has also recovered from a lay-off in recent weeks, could come in at left-back.
Colwill was on Liverpool’s radar last summer after an impressive loan spell with Brighton. He opted to sign a new deal at Chelsea but the Reds have continued to monitor his progress, although he is likely to be valued at least around $108m (£85m/€100m).
