Liverpool host Chelsea in a huge match as Jurgen Klopp fights to maintain his five-point lead over Manchester City, having played an extra game. The clash takes place at Anfield Stadium on January 31. We bring you the latest news, including updates on “major” trio Andy Robertson, Trent Alexander-Arnold, and Dominik Szoboszlai, and our Liverpool predicted lineup.
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How Liverpool Have Lined-up Recently
Alisson Becker starts in net, whilst Joe Gomez and Conor Bradley have filled in as full-backs. However, both Alexander-Arnold and Robertson made cameos against Norwich City. Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate start as centre-backs, though Jarell Quansah has made appearances.
Alexis Mac Allister starts in the centre of midfield, though Klopp has shown no preference to who joins him out of Curtis Jones, Harvey Elliott, and Ryan Gravenberch.
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At left-wing is Luis Diaz whilst Darwin Nunez starts up front. Diogo Jota and Cody Gakpo have played on the right-wing. However, all four players have rotated across the frontline.
Liverpool’s Recent Form and Tactics
Liverpool defeated Norwich City 5-2 in the FA Cup at the weekend.
It was the youth that were shining in a slightly rotated side. 19-year-old James McConnell made just his fourth senior appearance and played an impressive 79 minutes. He began the game with an impeccable floated cross with his weak foot to assist Curtis Jones for the opener.
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However, Conor Bradley stole the show with two great assists. He also created a great chance (0.57 expected goals)in the first-half for Gakpo who dragged it wide.
The Northern Irish academy graduate uses his explosive pace to create opportunities for himself, as he did for Liverpool’s second goal – beating two men to set up Nunez.
His game maturity, both whilst attacking and defending, paired with his strong physical attributes make him an exciting prospect. He is a fantastic back-up to Alexander-Arnold.
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Warning signs were flashing for the first goal conceded by Klopp’s side. Ben Gibson appeared to be completely unmarked as Gabriel Sara’s corner was whipped in, and both Quansah and Gravenberch failed to pick up his darting run to the near post.
Perhaps a lack of the commanding figure of Van Dijk led to a failure in communication, though we would expect Alisson to control his box.
Liverpool Injuries to Consider
Szoboszlai and Robertson played 35 minutes against Norwich whilst Alexander-Arnold played 24. All three should be in contention to start after returning from various injuries.
Mac Allister missed the cup game through precaution, but “trained yesterday so should be fine”.
Thiago Alcantara “trained [for the] first time which was an incredible moment”. The Spaniard has been out since last season, but he still “needs time”.
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Klopp confirmed that Salah is “not ready for this game, not ready for the next game” following a hamstring tear sustained at the African Cup of Nations.
Wataru Endo has reached the round of 16 with Japan at the Asian Cup.
Kostas Tsimikas remains out but “is close”. Stefan Bajcetic is still “progressing”.
Joel Matip will likely be out for the season following surgery.
Liverpool Predicted Lineup
GK: Alisson Becker
LB: Andy Robertson
CB: Virgil van Dijk
CB: Ibrahima Konate
RB: Trent Alexander-Arnold
CM: Curtis Jones
DM: Alexis Mac Allister
CM: Dominik Szoboszlai
LW: Luis Diaz
ST: Darwin Nunez
RW: Diogo Jota
