With just one win required from their two remaining games to seal Champions League qualification for next season, a trip to Anfield awaits Frank Lampard’s side. The Blues will face the Premier League champions Liverpool FC in what promises to be a nail-biting encounter between two of the most attacking sides in England.
Chelsea FC’s last game was a deserved 3-1 victory over high-flying Manchester United in the semi-final of the FA Cup. A great overall performance by the Blues ensured a comfortable win over the Red Devils, booking their place in the FA Cup final in the process.
Liverpool FC, on the other hand, have endured an indifferent run of form of late. Post the lockdown period, Jurgen Klopp’s side have been subject to two losses and as many draws in seven Premier League meetings. Several top players for the Reds’ such as Roberto Firmino and Mohammad Salah have failed to click in recent weeks for the Merseyside club.
However, the Blues will be wary of the threat the Liverpool FC attack possesses. With Firmino, Mane, and Salah hungry for goals, the attacking trio could prove to be a menace for the Chelsea FC defense that has been plagued with woes of late.
An earlier meeting between the two sides earlier this year in the fifth round of the FA Cup had turned out to be a 2-0 victory for Chelsea FC. Billy Gilmour had been terrific that night for the Blues who had sailed through with goals from Willian and Ross Barkley that night at Anfield.
WHEN & WHERE?
Date: Wednesday 22nd July
Time: 3 PM GMT
Venue: Anfield
TEAM NEWS
N’Golo Kante is expected to miss the game against Liverpool FC too with the French international currently recovering from a hamstring injury. However, we could see the 29-year old feature on the bench for the Blues.
Billy Gilmour will play no part in the remaining fixtures for Chelsea FC this season. The Scottish midfielder has been sidelined for up to three months owing to a knee operation.
A strong squad was fielded by Frank Lampard against Manchester United in the FA Cup win over the weekend. As a result, we could see some changes being made by the Chelsea FC boss for their travel to Liverpool.
However, Olivier Giroud’s place in the starting lineup should remain unchallenged considering the Frenchman’s recent form in front of goal.
As for the Reds, Naby Keita could be recalled upon by Jurgen Klopp, with the Guinean likely to replace Gini Wijnaldum in the Liverpool FC midfield. The 25-year old Keita has been a solid performer for Jurgen Klopp’s side, despite limited first-team involvement of late.
The duo of Jordan Henderson and Joel Matip remain sidelined for the remainder of the season.
RECENT FORM
Liverpool FC: L W W D L
Chelsea FC: W W L W W
LIVERPOOL FC VS CHELSEA FC PREDICTED LINEUP
Liverpool FC: Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Joe Gomez, Van Dijk, Robertson; Naby Keita, Fabinho, Alex Oxlade Chamberlain; Salah, Firmino, Mane
Chelsea FC: Kepa; Cesar Azpilicueta, Rudiger, Kurt Zouma, Marcos Alonso; Ross Barkley, Jorginho, Mason Mount; Willian, Olivier Giroud, Christian Pulisic
