Image Credits: Imago Images
Liverpool face an early kickoff for their penultimate home game of the season against Chelsea, with the match scheduled for 12:30pm BST on Saturday.
Liverpool’s difficult run-in was compounded by a defeat to Manchester United, a result that further dented their Champions League qualification hopes.
Arne Slot was also without several key players, with around eight first-teamers unavailable, including Alexander Isak, who picked up a minor groin injury in training.
The clash with Chelsea now takes on added importance in the race for European qualification, although Liverpool still have major selection issues, with both first-choice attacking and goalkeeping options sidelined.
Chelsea arrive at Anfield looking to end a run of six consecutive Premier League defeats. Despite reaching the FA Cup final, their league form has collapsed following a 3-1 home loss to a rotated Nottingham Forest side.
That defeat left Chelsea ninth in the table, with Champions League qualification still mathematically possible but highly unlikely without help from elsewhere and a strong finish to their remaining fixtures.
The match was also overshadowed by injuries, with goalkeeper Robert Sanchez and debutant Jesse Derry both forced off. Derry was stretchered to the hospital after a collision, though he was later confirmed to be conscious, while Levi Colwill returned from injury in the second half.
Chelsea caretaker boss Callum McFarlane told BBC Match of the Day: “All signs are positive at the moment so we’re hopeful he’s in a good condition and from what we’ve heard it’s positive.
“Gutted for Jesse, I thought he did well in the game. He gave us a threat – a massive moment for him that has ended sadly.”
Liverpool need a maximum of four points from their remaining three games to secure Champions League football next season. The Reds lost the reverse fixture 2-1 back in October and will be aiming to pick up maximum points at Anfield this time around.
How to watch Liverpool vs Chelsea
The match will be shown live on TNT Sports in the United Kingdom. However, in the United States of America, fans can watch the game live on USA Network. In Canada, fans can watch the game live on Fubo Sports, while those in Africa can view it live on SuperSport.