Liverpool have once again started the season strong as they won the first game in their Premier League campaign this season. The Reds won a hard-fought game against Leeds United, who had more possession than Liverpool in the game. Ultimately, Liverpool came out victorious with a score-line of 4-3 to the Red, gaining three points in the Premier League this season.
But the game was far more than what meets the eye, Liverpool struggled to any get rhythm again the newcomers Leeds United. The constant pressure and directness of play caused Liverpool problems and their own defence wasn’t in the best of forms. Van Dijk had a rather dull game despite scoring the goal, as he was responsible for one of Leeds’ goals.
But the Reds face an even tougher task this weekend, as they lock horn against one of the Premier League heavyweights, Chelsea. With the revamped team, Lampard looks to be in control of the Blues of Chelsea. The likes of Timo Werner and Kai Havertz will be lethal once they get going, in fact, Werner has already contributed by getting the penalty for Chelsea in their last game.
Liverpool, under Klopp, have used only about two formations and it has given them huge success. Let us now have a look at how Liverpool might lineup against Chelsea this weekend.
THE 4-3-3
The 4-3-3 has been Liverpool’s go-to formation under Jurgen Klopp since his first days at the Merseyside club. The playmaking abilities of Roberto Firmino coupled with the crossing abilities of Robertson and Alexander-Arnold has made Liverpool an ultra-attacking side. But what goes unseen and underappreciated is the work-rate of midfielders like Jordan Henderson, Fabinho and Gini Wijnaldum, whereas Keita adds creativity to the midfield.
But lately, the Liverpool defence hasn’t been as good as it generally has been and has leaked goals. Van Dijk seems to have turned a gear down and has been amongst the errors leading to goals, which might be an area of concern for Klopp. The Dutchman has looked out of sorts sometimes and might be a target for Chelsea to pounce on, with his lapse in concentration. Overall, Liverpool have been mediocre since the restart and will be concerned looking at Chelsea’s attack.
The Liverpool manager will prioritize a clean-sheet against Chelsea as the Reds will face a very quick and skilful Chelsea attack. But with Chelsea’s poor defensive record and goalkeeping woes, Liverpool will be confident to score.
THE 4-2-3-1
The 4-2-3-1 is the only alternative Klopp has used in his time at Liverpool, other than the general 4-3-3. Generally, both the formations have the same personnel, but Salah has a role further forward rather than the right-wing. Firmino plays in his old No.10 position and is even more involved in the build-up play with the likes of Wijnaldum, Alexander-Arnold and Robertson.
The two pivots in the midfield also give extra support to the centre-backs and also give the full-backs the license to bump forward. In such a formation, the full-backs are even higher than they usually are in a 4-3-3 formation, giving the wingers the license to go into the box. This causes Liverpool to flood the opposition box while the full-backs bombard it with their crosses from wide positions.
Also Read – How is Chelsea expected to lineup this weekend?
On the other hand, Liverpool must be very careful in possession, because of Chelsea’s pace on the counter-attack. With the likes of Werner and Havertz, Chelsea might look to sit deep and counter when possible, with both full-backs still higher up the pitch. The covering midfielders and the centre-backs have o be well-positioned to cut off any threat from the Chelsea counter-attacks.
Overall, the match is expected to be one of the games of the season, with both teams looking to get all the three points. And the previous rivalry between Klopp and Lampard will also get a new stage as both the managers lock horns once again.
