Chelsea look to repeat history by upsetting title challenging Liverpool

Liverpool host Chelsea at Anfield with the Blues hoping to repeat exploits from the last time Jurgen Klopp’s team were in a Premier League title race.

A famous Steven Gerrard slip in April 2014 proved the catalyst for Liverpool’s failure to claim their first Premier League crown instead eventually handing the title to Manchester City, a feat they hope won’t repeat instead this time around. A 2-0 win for Chelsea that day also put them in title contention but a win at Anfield on Sunday will be to boost their top four hopes.

Maurizio Sarri’s outfit currently sit third in the table and will hope to remain in that position by the end of Arsenal’s contest with Watford on Monday night. Sarri’s side know that victories for north London rivals Arsenal and Tottenham in their respective fixtures coupled with defeat at Anfield will put them back outside the top four.

The Reds are unbeaten since the 12th January and maintained a title push last time out by beating Southampton in a display of composure and dominance in the second-half.

Liverpool had found themselves behind after a slow start as Shane Long converted in the ninth minute. Naby Keita restored parity before half-time before an impressive showing after the break saw Mohamed Salah and Jordan Henderson secure three points for the Reds.

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp spoke on the positivity around Melwood:

 “I feel the positive energy and I really think it is a massive change from being surprised that we are up there to getting used to it and becoming more and more confident, maybe. It’s all a process, it’s a big process, so that’s good.

“The five or 10 seconds after Tottenham’s equaliser was, for me, the best moment for a long, long time in the stadium. The reaction we showed there was unbelievable, so that gave us the opportunity to do it on the pitch as well – and that shows.

“We feel as one group in the moment, 100 per cent as one group, together with the supporters. Really, that’s 100 per cent the truth. We really feel this, not only ‘walk alone’, you are never alone in these situations – and we want to do it for all of us. We try with all we have in a very positive way, we try to keep this dream alive.”

The visitors are unbeaten in four game in all competitions, most recently winning a London derby against West Ham. A brace from their star man Eden Hazard ensured Chelsea would claim all three points at Stamford Bridge and raise them up to third. Maurizio Sarri was pleased with his team’s performance but was wary of the busy week facing his team:

“I think that it was a big performance from the team, Hazard, of course, played a wonderful match. He scored an incredible goal, the first goal was a really incredible goal. We played well in the first half because we were in full control

“I think we lost positions with the midfielders, so the match was more open [in the second half]. Then we played well in the last part. When Hazard is able to play like the last part then it is easier and we can win against any team.

“We have a very hard week. We have to play in 72 hours in Europa league, and then in another 72 hours in Liverpool.”

The fixture between these two finished 1-1 in September as a fabulous late strike from former Chelsea player Daniel Sturridge saved a point for Liverpool after a Hazard opener.

Team News

Liverpool

Andy Robertson returns after missing Liverpool’s Champions League victory against Porto through suspension.

The fit-again Joe Gomez is available having been named on the bench in midweek and Adam Lallana is set to be in contention despite a recent injury.

Chelsea

Chelsea made seven changes for their Europa League win against Slavia Prague and will recall a number of key players including Eden Hazard.

The Blues will assess left-back Emerson, who missed Thursday’s game.

Callum Hudson-Odoi was left out of the squad for that fixture because of tiredness and head coach Maurizio Sarri says he has not decided whether the winger will start at Anfield on Sunday.