Chelsea and Liverpool are hoping to maintain their hundred percent winning record as the two teams lock horns at Anfield on Saturday. It is a vital home game for Jurgen Klopp’s side especially amid criticism over the club’s lack of activity in the market. The Reds have done well so far, though, securing two back to back victories over Norwich City and Burnley.
Facing European champions Chelsea could be an entirely different ballgame, however. The Blues are looking like a real contender for the title this season and are coming on the back of two wins over their London rivals Crystal Palace and Arsenal. Along with Liverpool, they are also one of the five teams to have collected all six points in these first two matches of the new season.
Liverpool Vs Chelsea Tactical Preview
Talking Tactics
Liverpool
Jurgen Klopp is unlikely to shift away from his tried and tested 4-3-3 formation. The focus will remain on counter-pressing the opposition but Liverpool may face difficulties in playing the ball out from the back due to Chelsea’s excellent first line of press. Their best hope is that Romelu Lukaku starts the game slowly as it will really enable the likes of Virgil van Dijk to settle into the game and build up from the back as usual.
Chelsea
On the other hand, Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel will be aware of the fact that Liverpool will press at every opportunity they get. Their frontal press means the Blues are more than likely to persist with the 3-4-3 that gives them numerical superiority and better control in possession. The visitors, though, may need to employ one of their wingbacks in an inverted role in order to act as a counter-press to Liverpool’s Gegenpress.
Team News
Liverpool
Andrew Robertson was an unused substitute in Liverpool’s game against Burnley this past weekend. He is a candidate to start for the hosts, replacing Kostas Tsimikas at left-back. There could be a couple of more changes elsewhere, with the young and inexperienced Harvey Elliott and Naby Keita likely to make way for Fabinho and Thiago who can offer better stability in the middle of the park.
Probable Lineup: Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Matip, van Dijk, Robertson; Alcantara, Fabinho, Henderson; Salah, Jota, Mane
Chelsea
For Chelsea, Christian Pulisic remains out due to his Covid-19 infection. Tuchel, otherwise, has the privilege of choosing from an almost fully fit Chelsea squad. Even experienced centre-back Thiago Silva is in contention to start, though Tuchel might want to persist with his usual back three so far. The only changes could come in the form of Timo Werner and N’Golo Kante replacing Mateo Kovacic and Kai Havertz.
Predicted Lineup: Mendy; Azpilicueta, Christensen, Rudiger; James, Kante, Jorginho, Alonso; Mount, Werner; Lukaku
Key Men
Liverpool
In games like these, Liverpool usually bank their hopes on their front three, with Diogo Jota, in particular, set to play a key role. The Portuguese has been in excellent form, netting two goals in two matches to kickstart the campaign. However, with Roberto Firmino breathing down his neck, he must perform against Chelsea in order to retain his importance in the squad.
Chelsea
Romelu Lukaku kickstarted his new chapter at Chelsea with a goal against Arsenal. It was an excellent performance from the Belgian international, who led the line with aplomb. And being an ex-Evertonian, Lukaku will seek every excuse he gets to try and make life difficult for the Liverpool defenders this weekend. His one-on-one duels with van Dijk is going to be an interesting watch.
