Liverpool vs. Chelsea: Visitors looking to punish wounded Reds

After a torrid January, Jurgen Klopp and Liverpool are licking their wounds ahead of the visit of Barclays Premier League leaders Chelsea. Klopp’s side have gone out of both domestic cup competitions and lost in the league at Anfield to Swansea all inside the space of a week.

Chelsea’s form couldn’t be much more of a contrast. After a minor blip against Tottenham, The Blues have remained in the FA Cup and won 2 consecutive Premier League games without conceding a goal.

Conte’s men have only conceded 6 goals in 12 league encounters since the start of November. While Antonio Conte has a fully-fit squad from which to pick his side, doubts remain over the fitness of Liverpool’s key men Lallana, Clyne and Sadio Mané.

Liverpool need a result to boost flagging morale and strengthen their grip on a top 4 place. Chelsea will sense that this is a wonderful opportunity to avenge their 2-1 defeat against Liverpool earlier in the season.

Team News

Liverpool

Doubtful: Lallana, Clyne

Unavailable: Ings, Grujic, Sakho                                                                    

Chelsea

No injury concerns

Key Players

Although Liverpool’s most productive attacker Sadio Mané is back from AFCON duty, the Senegalese flyer isn’t expected to feature from the start.

Such has been his influence on the Liverpool team, however, that even his presence on the bench will provide supporters with some hope after an awful run of results.

Roberto Firmino will lead the line for the reds and his importance will be exaggerated by Mané’s likely inability to start.

His battle with compatriot and Chelsea centre back David Luiz might provide clues as to where this match will be won and lost.

Diego Costa is the joint top scorer in the Premier League and the Chelsea striker is a constant nuisance for opposition defenders.

Key Match Stats

Liverpool haven’t won any of their last 3 Premier League matches.

Liverpool have scored at least 2 goals in 6 of their last 7 home matches in the Premier League.

Chelsea have scored at least Chelsea have won 15 of their last 16 Premier League matches.

Chelsea have conceded only 6 goals in their last 12 Premier League matches.

Chelsea are undefeated in their last 5 away matches against Liverpool in all competitions.

Verdict  Picks

An away win is offered at a relatively long 2.89 by ClickaBet and that could prove tempting in a match where Liverpool are struggling badly for form. Back the draw at 3.25.