In the final home game of their Premier League-winning campaign, Liverpool FC welcome third-placed Chelsea FC at Anfield on Wednesday afternoon. The Reds’ will be having their trophy lift presentation following the encounter against Frank Lampard’s men.
Jurgen Klopp’s side have looked out of sorts in recent games, which is an uncharacteristic trait for the Merseyside giants. Liverpool FC’s last game turned out to be a shock 2-1 defeat away to Arsenal, with Virgil van Dijk and Alisson Becker gifting two goals to the hosts through their grievous errors.
Prior to the defeat at the Emirates Stadium last week, the Reds had endured a frustrating 1-1 draw with Burnley at Anfield. The stalemate against the Clarets meant that Liverpool FC’s 24-game unbeaten streak at home came to an end.
The Premier League champions would be hoping to make a resounding statement against an in-form Chelsea FC side. Despite their recent struggles, Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool FC side are one of the best teams in world football.
The Blues, on the other hand, will travel to the Merseyside on the back of a handsome 3-1 victory over Manchester United in the FA Cup semi-final clash on Sunday. Chelsea FC were in impressive stride against the Red Devils, with Olivier Giroud in top form as evident by his recent goalscoring spree.
WHEN & WHERE?
Date: Wednesday 22nd July
Time: 3 PM GMT
Venue: Anfield
TEAM NEWS
Long-term absentees Jordan Henderson and Joel Matip remain sidelined for the remainder of the season, as confirmed earlier by Jurgen Klopp.
However, James Milner could be on a comeback trail following a brief spell on the sidelines with the veteran midfielder being on the Liverpool FC bench in recent weeks.
Naby Keita should be given a start against the Blues by Jurgen Klopp with the 25-year old being in fine form of late. The midfielder would replace Alex Oxlade Chamberlain, who did not have the best of games against his former side Arsenal last week, in the starting lineup to face Chelsea FC on Wednesday.
For the visitors, Frenchman N’Golo Kante is unlikely to be deemed fit to face the Reds after sustaining a hamstring injury a fortnight ago.
Olivier Giroud should keep his place as a starter ahead of Tammy Abraham, with the 33-year old being in fantastic form since Project Restart.
RECENT FORM
Liverpool FC: L W W D L
Chelsea FC: W W L W W
LIVERPOOL VS CHELSEA PREDICTED LINEUP
Liverpool FC: Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Joe Gomez, Van Dijk, Andy Robertson; Naby Keita, Fabinho, Gini Wijnaldum; Salah, Firmino, Sadio Mane
Chelsea FC: Kepa; Cesar Azpilicueta, Rudiger, Kurt Zouma, Alonso; Ross Barkley, Jorginho, Mason Mount; Willian, Pulisic, Olivier Giroud
