Liverpool will welcome Chelsea at Anfield on Thursday night with both teams desperate to secure the three points and make up some ground in the Premier League’s top four race. The Reds managed to get the better of Sheffield United by a 2-0 scoreline, which would give them some much-needed confidence going into this game. However, the West London outfit were held to a scoreless draw by Manchester United, so they will be eager to pick up a win in midweek.
Jurgen Klopp will have Fabinho and Allison Becker back for this game, but he will be concerned about Diogo Jota’s availability due to illness. A lot is riding on this game as the Merseyside outfit could leapfrog the Blues in the league standings if they can return to winning ways following a wretched run of form at home in the Premier League.
Here are three things Klopp should do to ensure that Liverpool can secure maximum points versus Thomas Tuchel’s men at Anfield in midweek.
Play Fabinho In His Usual Holding Midfield Position
Prior to getting injured, Fabinho did a decent job as a makeshift centre-back, but his absence in midfield has been felt dearly by the Merseyside giants in recent weeks. Therefore, Klopp should think about reinstating the Brazilian talent in his usual holding midfield alongside Georginio Wijnaldum, which would also free up space for Thiago Alcantara to express himself in the Chelsea half.
Use Curtis Jones And Diogo Jota Off The Bench
Curtis Jones scored the all-important opening goal in the Reds’ 2-0 victory over the Blades last weekend. However, the English playmaker has sometimes faded in and out of games this season, so Klopp would be better off opting for a more experienced midfield three including Fabinho and use Jones as an impact substitute off the bench.
Diogo Jota will be in a race against time to recover from his illness, but if the Portuguese attacker can make himself available for selection on Thursday night, he should be used as a substitute in the latter stages, especially if Liverpool require a goal.
Instruct Alisson To Be More Decisive With His Passing
Alisson Becker will be back from compassionate leave after the recent death of his father. The Brazilian keeper made some high-profile errors when distributing the ball out from the back last month. Hence, the Reds head coach needs to ask Alisson to be more decisive and take fewer chances when building plays up from his penalty box.
