In a match of optimum importance for both sides, Chelsea visit Liverpool after a goalless draw against Manchester United at home. After that result, Thomas Tuchel’s unbeaten run as Chelsea manager continues but will be determined to polish his side’s attacking prowess. The men in blue have managed just ten goals in nine games under Tuchel while conceding just twice, one of which was an own goal by Antonio Rudiger.
Liverpool face the danger of five straight home defeats for the first time in their history and hence, will be desperate to avoid defeat. Jurgen Klopp’s side sit just a point behind their opponents and the victor in this game will enter the top four with West Ham not in action in the midweek.
Let us take a look at the possible systems Tuchel may employ in his Chelsea side in such a huge contest of grit and attitude against the defending champions.
THE 3-4-2-1
Tuchel has used the 3-4-2-1 in all of his games so far and is expected to stick to the same formation again. Edouard Mendy along with the back three of Antonio Rudiger, Andreas Christensen and Cesar Azpilicueta are all expected to retain their place in the starting XI even in this crunch game. Christensen has been excellent in the heart of the defence and may cause a selection dilemma for the manager with Thiago Silva close to full fitness.
N’golo Kante is at his destructive best with superb displays in his last two starts and his tackling has been a joy to watch. Mateo Kovacic has been brilliant under Tuchel with his progressive play in midfield and will face a big challenge to control the midfield against Liverpool. Christian Pulisic and Timo Werner both came from the bench last time out, but may replace Giroud and Ziyech who failed to make much of an impact.
THE 4-3-3
The 4-3-3 was used by Chelsea prior to the arrival of Tuchel but the German may resort to this system for attacking football. This system may lack the extra defensive stability of a back three but poor output up front may force Tuchel to sacrifice that. The Blues are well acquainted with this formation and with Kante in the holding role, the full backs can bomb forward to provide extra options out wide.
Liverpool’s Ozan Kabak has looked shaky at the back which gives Pulisic and Werner the chance to use their pace and movement to create openings. Mason Mount will be expected to create more chances and test the opposition keeper from range.
THE 4-2-3-1
The 4-2-3-1 is another alternative with defensive cover with a double pivot in midfield to allow the full-backs to overlap the wingers.
Chelsea were producing a lot of threat from set-pieces under Lampard in the early part of the season mainly thanks to Kurt Zouma. With goals in short supply, Tuchel may turn to the Frenchman to cause havoc from the set-piece delivery by Mount and Ziyech.
Chelsea haven’t beaten Liverpool at Anfield in the league since that famous win featuring the Gerrard slip back in 2014. Chelsea have been rock solid at the back, but need their strikers to deliver in order to beat the struggling Reds. Form often doesn’t matter in these big games and fans will expect a thrilling game with lots of goal mouth action.
