Mauricio Pochettino took charge of his first competitive fixture as Chelsea boss on the opening weekend of the Premier League season against Jurgen Klopp’s Reds, with the two sides playing out a 1-1 draw.
Their most significant meeting this term will arrive at the end of February under the Wembley arch with yet another domestic trophy at stake.
Nevertheless, Wednesday’s league bout boasts plenty of significance. Chelsea are aiming to secure their fourth-straight Premier League win and push further up the table, while Liverpool are looking to regain their five-point buffer at the division’s summit.
Both teams were in FA Cup action at the weekend with Aston Villa forcing Chelsea to a replay before Klopp’s men breezed past Norwich City 5-2.
Here’s 90min’s preview of Liverpool’s upcoming clash with the Blues.
What time does Liverpool vs Chelsea kick-off?
- Location: Liverpool, England
- Stadium: Anfield
- Date: Wednesday 31 January
- Kick-off time: 20:15 GMT / 15:15 ET / 12:15 PT
- Referee: Paul Tierney
- VAR: John Brooks
Liverpool vs Chelsea H2H Record (Last Five Games)
- Liverpool: 2 wins
- Chelsea: 0 wins
- Draws: 3
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Current Form (Last Five Games)
- Liverpool: WWWDW
- Chelsea: WLWWD
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Liverpool team news
- Mohamed Salah’s Egypt are out of the Africa Cup of Nations, but the winger’s injury means he’ll miss Wednesday’s game. Wataru Endo, meanwhile, is still away at the AFC Asian Cup.
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There is positive news on the injury front heading into this midweek encounter. Dominik Szoboszlai, Trent Alexander-Arnold, and Andy Robertson are all in contention to start against the Blues after making substitute appearances at the weekend.
Thiago Alcantara has returned to team training but will not be rushed back after such a lengthy absence, joining Joel Matip, Kostas Tsimikas and Stefan Bajcetic on the sidelines.
- Liverpool predicted lineup vs Chelsea (4-3-3): Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Mac Allister, Szoboszlai, Jones; Elliott, Nunez, Jota.
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Chelsea team news
- Nicolas Jackson will soon return to west London following Senegal’s AFCON exit on Monday night and Pochettino teased his potential involvement on Wednesday. However, Armando Broja will likely continue to lead the line from the start.
Reece James, Lesley Ugochukwu, Wesley Fofana, Robert Sanchez, Marc Cucurella, Romeo Lavia and Trevoh Chalobah are all out injured. However, Christopher Nkunku and Malo Gusto are both back in contention after returning to training in the week.
Levi Colwill will miss out after pulling up with a tendon injury ahead of Friday’s FA Cup draw with Villa.
Chelsea predicted lineup vs Liverpool (4-2-3-1): Petrovic; Disasi, Silva, Badiashile, Chilwell; Caicedo, Fernandez; Madueke, Palmer, Sterling; Broja.
Liverpool vs Chelsea score prediction
Chelsea are enjoying their most productive run of the Poch era, and a trip to Anfield represents a litmus test for their progress under the Argentine.
The Blues are undoubtedly improving, but they’re yet to secure a statement win. Their recent victories have come against sides you’d expect them to beat. They’ve also faltered away from home against the likes of Manchester United and Newcastle.
Anfield will be an emotional beast for the remainder of the campaign with Klopp leaving at the end of the season, and the hosts are set to be bolstered by the returns of several key players in midweek. This has the makings of an entertaining bout, but Liverpool should prevail with some comfort.
