Liverpool vs Chelsea: Match preview, predicted line-ups, team news and prediction

The hosts are likely to dominate possession and will need to be careful of turnovers.

The Blues have lost their last six top-flight matches, ranking bottom on the form table.

This fixture offers them the chance to gain momentum ahead of next weekend’s FA Cup final against Manchester City.

Chelsea claimed a 2-1 victory over in the reverse fixture, but have not done a league double over the Reds since the 2013/14 season.

The Blues could look to maintain a compact shape and force turnovers, exploiting the spaces behind Liverpool’s full-backs.

Team news

Liverpool are dealing with several injury concerns. Goalkeeper Alisson Becker, Alexander Isak, Florian Wirtz and Ibrahima Konate all doubts for this clash.

Giorgi Mamardashvili, Mohamed Salah, Giovanni Leoni, Conor Bradley, and Wataru Endo are also on the sidelines.

Chelsea will be without goalkeeper Robert Sanchez and youngster Jesse Derry, both of whom suffered head injuries against Forest.

Pedro Neto and Alejandro Garnacho are also doubtful, while Estevao and Jamie Gittens are ruled out.

That said, interim manager Calum McFarlane has confirmed that captain Reece James and Levi Colwill are in contention to start.

Predicted line-ups

Liverpool (4-2-3-1): Freddie Woodman, Curtis Jones, Ibrahima Konate, Virgil van Dijk, Milos Kerkez, Ryan Gravenberch, Dominic Szoboszlai, Florian Wirtz, Rio Ngumoha, Jeremie Frimpong, Cody Gakpo.

Chelsea (4-2-3-1): Filip Jorgensen, Malo Gusto, Wesley Fofana, Jorrel Hato, Marc Cucurella, Moises Caicedo, Reece James, Cole Palmer, Enzo Fernandez, Liam Delap, Joao Pedro.

Prediction

We predict a 2-1 win for Liverpool.

Stats from transfermarkt.com, who scored.com & sofascore.com