Liverpool vs Chelsea
English Premier League
Date: 11th May 2016
Time: 20:00 pm BST
Venue: Anfield, Liverpool
In any other normal circumstances a ‘Liverpool vs Chelsea’ fixture at Anfield on the penultimate week of the Premier League would have generated a massive interest among both sets of supporters.
But, then again, this hasn’t been a ‘normal’ Premier League season, isn’t it? Who would have thought Leicester City to win the Premier League? Who would have thought Chelsea to drop out of top four? Crazy.
Sitting (un)comfortably at 9th, the lowest league position ever under Roman Abramovich era, and with hardly anything left to play for, the focus has already been shifted to the summer transfer window, where Chelsea’s squad is likely to undergo a major overhaul under Antonio Conte.
The mood among the Chelsea fans has been furthered dampened with the thought of club legend John Terry won’t be able to bid a proper farewell to his beloved club, following his sent-off against Sunderland on Saturday.
With just one win in the last five games (including three defeats), Chelsea travel to Anfield on Wednesday bereft of confidence and motivation. Certainly, the preparation ahead of a big match is far from being ideal.
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp is already relishing the prospect of facing Chelsea at Anfield, saying “[the fixture] is one of the biggest games I know of.”
While the Reds may have one eye on the Europa League Final on 18th May, it remains to be seen whether Klopp fields a strong starting XI or rest his key players for this tie. In any case, the task looks daunting for the Blues, as they’re up against an in-form side that are running high with confidence.
Chelsea’s new kit
Chelsea’s 2016/17 home kit can be found here.
Belgium winger Eden Hazard and England U-21 midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek revealed the Adidas 2016-17 Chelsea home kit design live on Facebook. The new kit will make its debut against Leicester City in Chelsea’s final game at Stamford Bridge.
Liverpool vs Chelsea: Team News
Guus Hiddink’s side have no fresh injury worries at the moment. Loic Remy and Kurt Zouma are the only two long-term absentees for the Blues. Skipper John Terry has been suspended for the remaining tow fixtures and the former England captain won’t be available for selection against Liverpool.
The Reds may go with a strong line up with Sturridge, Can, Lallana and Lovren may all return to the starting XI after they were being rested against Watford.
Liverpool vs Chelsea: Possible Lineups
Possible Liverpool starting XI: Mignolet, Clyne, Lovren, Toure, Moreno, Can, Milner, Allen, Sturridge, Firmino, Lallana.
Posible Chelsea starting XI: Courtois, Azpilicueta, Cahill, Ivanovic, Rahman, Fabregas, Matic, Hazard, Oscar, Willian, Costa.
Key Stats: Liverpool vs Chelsea
1 – Liverpool have won only once against Chelsea in their last five Premier League games
2 – Chelsea have managed only two wins in their last 10 games in all competitions
14 – Diego Costa has been involved in 14 goals in his last 14 Premier League games for Chelsea