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The Premier League weekend kicks off today with a huge clash at Anfield as Liverpool look to all but confirm a top-five finish, and Champions League qualification, while ending Chelsea’s hopes of a return to European football’s elite. Both teams lost their last game - against Manchester United and Nottingham Forest, respectively - and need a quick return to form.
Liverpool will be looking over their shoulders at Aston Villa and, further down, Brighton, Bournemouth and Brentford. A win today should see off the latter trio, and the return to fitness of Alexander Isak, who has shaken off a minor injury, will be key. Arne Slot will also hope to pick Giorgi Mamardashvili back between the sticks a week earlier than planned.
For Chelsea, they will also be playing their second-choice goalkeeper after Robert Sanchez was forced off against Forest, while Pedro Neto and Alejandro Garnacho will also be missing. All eyes on Joao Pedro and Cole Palmer to produce the goods. Follow the game LIVE below with our dedicated match blog, featuring expert insight and analysis from Dom Smith.
Liverpool vs Chelsea latest news
Dom Smith reports
A first start for Levi Colwill since the Club World Cup final is a massive deal for not only the player but the club.
Colwill is seen internally as one of the most important players at Chelsea and his return to full fitness in time for the end of the season’s run-in is a real boost.
Right, here come the players.
Final prep almost down. Kick-off is fast approaching.
Dom Smith reports
A really special occasion today for Mathis Eboue, the academy player and son of former Arsenal and Ivory Coast full-back Emmanuel, today, as he is named on the bench for Chelsea for the first time.
If he or Ryan Kavuma-McQueen appear off the bench today, they would make their Premier League debuts. McFarlane has history with trusting youth, handing Jesse Derry his full first-team debut last time out against Nottingham Forest.
It sounds like Wirtz misses out after failing to fully overcome an illness.
Slot mentioned it at his press conference on Friday, but suggested at the time that the £116million midfielder would be fit enough to feature.
This is the 200th meeting between Liverpool and Chelsea.
Liverpool have won 87 to Chelsea’s 67.
Chelsea have won the last two, and going for a league double over Liverpool for the first time since the 2013-14 season.
Dom Smith reports
I am surprised by elements of McFarlane's starting lineup today.
I felt it was possible, given the winger shortage, that Joao Pedro might start on the left with Liam Delap up front. Instead, Joao Pedro leads the line, and Hato comes into the team in what looks like it will be a back five for Chelsea.
Andrey Santos with a rare start, too. He had fallen out of favour towards the end of Rosenior's reign but partners Moises Caicedo in midfield.
Liverpool team news
So, Mamardashvili is fit to return to the Liverpool starting line-up, but Isak is not. The striker takes a seat on the bench.
It means another start for youngster Ngumoha, this time against his former club, with Gakpo likely leading the line.
Confirmed team news in full
Liverpool XI: Mamardashvili, Van Dijk, Konate, Kerkez, Szoboszlai, Mac Allister, Jones, Gakpo, Frimpong, Gravenberch, Ngumoha
Subs: Woodman, Gomez, Isak, Chiesa, Robertson, Nyoni, Morrison, Ndiaye, Wright
Chelsea XI: Jorgensen, Gusto, Fofana, Colwill, Cucurella, Hato, Caicedo, Santos, Fernandez, Palmer, Joao Pedro
Subs: Slonina, James, Acheampong, Adarabioyo, Chalobah, Lavia, Eboue, Kabila-McQueen, Delap