Anfield expects a response from the Reds – Liverpool vs. Chelsea Preview
Liverpool host Chelsea in a heavyweight Premier League clash on Saturday, as the Reds look to bounce back from their midweek capitulation in Seville.
Liverpool vs. Chelsea.
Saturday, November 25, 2017 — 5:30pm (GMT)AnfieldPremier LeagueReferee: Michael Oliver.
Just when Liverpool appeared to be hitting some form, they go and capitulate away to Sevilla.
The 3-3 draw was actually far from a bad result in the grand scheme of things, but to surrender a three-goal lead in such limp fashion raised concerns about the mental strength of this side.
This weekend's visit of Chelsea is the perfect opportunity for Jurgen Klopp to get a response out of his players, as they search for a fourth league win in a row.
Under the lights with a 5.
30pm kick-off on Saturday, the atmosphere should be better than usual and any fixture that pits the Reds against the Blues carries significance.
With Man City in danger of running away with the title, a top-four finish looks to be the next best thing and Liverpool and Chelsea will be right in the mix.
Klopp's men have disappointed in the big games so far this season – a complete contrast to 2017/18 – with City and Spurs both dispatching them comfortably, and Arsenal the only rival defeated in four attempts since August.
That needs to change on Saturday evening, although Liverpool will have their work cut out against the reigning champions.
They have found their groove again under Antonio Conte and are exceptionally well-organised.
Don't expect this to be an aesthetically-pleasing affair, but you can bank on it being a nervy night where fine margins separate the two sides.
Last meeting: Liverpool 1-1 Chelsea.
Team News.
Adam Lallana could be on the bench for the first time this season, but Klopp was fairly cagey about when he would return.
Joel Matip is back in training and will surely replace Ragnar Klavan or even Dejan Lovren.
Emre Can is a doubt with a muscle problem.
Philippe Coutinho, Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino should all start – Salah will be raring to go against his former club – although the latter duo looked jaded in the second-half against Sevilla.
Alex-Oxlade Chamberlain is an option, should one of them miss out, and Daniel Sturridge and Dominic Solanke are also waiting in the wings.
Not too many changes in personnel are on the cards, but Simon Mignolet will come back in for Loris Karius.
Chelsea have no injury problems at all – a luxury they were also afforded last season, on their way to a fifth Premier League title.
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