There are bad times to visit Anfield, and there is this. Chelsea arrive on Saturday having lost six consecutive Premier League games, ninth in the table, and carrying an injury list that would test the patience of any manager. Calum McFarlane, still working without a permanent appointment, has overseen a collapse that has wiped out any remaining hope of European football next season.
Liverpool, meanwhile, sit fourth with 58 points, six clear of Bournemouth, and know that a win here combined with a Cherries slip at Fulham would seal Champions League qualification.
The backdrop to this fixture gets more uncomfortable for Chelsea with every passing day. Their 3-1 home defeat to Nottingham Forest on Monday was their sixth loss in a row and left two players stretchered off with head injuries in the same game. The last time Chelsea did the Premier League double over Liverpool was in 2013-14, and this squad is nowhere near that vintage. Away from home, they have won just one of their last 14 league games. Of those 14, they have conceded in six consecutive matches on the road.
Liverpool lost 3-2 at Old Trafford last weekend, a game that confirmed Manchester United’s top-four finish and left Arne Slot’s side needing to take care of business themselves. The Reds have taken ten points from the last 12 available at Anfield and have netted multiple goals in four of their last five at home. The incentive is clear, and so is the opportunity.
Liverpool and Chelsea Injury Updates
Liverpool are stretched at the back and between the posts. Alisson Becker has been absent from training all week with a hamstring problem and remains a major doubt. Giorgi Mamardashvili, injured in the Merseyside derby after a collision with Beto, is still out and is not expected to feature, which means Freddie Woodman looks set to start again. Alexander Isak picked up a minor groin complaint at Old Trafford and did not train on Wednesday. Mohamed Salah is also out, though a return before the end of the season has not been ruled out. Ibrahima Konate was also absent from Wednesday’s session, adding to Slot’s defensive concerns.
Liverpool vs. Chelsea Predicted Lineups
Liverpool (4-2-3-1): Woodman; Jones, Van Dijk, Konate, Kerkez; Gravenberch, Szoboszlai; Frimpong, Wirtz, Ngumoha; Gakpo
Chelsea (4-2-3-1): Jorgensen; James, Colwill, Chalobah, Cucurella; Caicedo, Santos; Palmer, Fernandez, Neto; Pedro
Prediction
Chelsea have shown no signs of stopping the rot, and a trip to Anfield is the worst fixture they could have at this moment. Liverpool are without several key players, but the quality advantage is enormous and the motivation at home is undeniable. Slot’s side to win comfortably and edge closer to securing their top-four place.
Prediction: Liverpool 3-0 Chelsea