Prediction: Liverpool vs Chelsea

Verdict: Liverpool win

Best Odds: 4/7

Bookmaker: Luckster

Desperate to widen their buffer at the top of the Premier League table on Wednesday night, Liverpool will welcome Chelsea to Anfield.

Liverpool

Starting with the hosts, with fans around Anfield left heartbroken over the weekend as Jurgen Klopp announced that he will be ending his nine-year stint on Merseyside, Liverpool will be desperate to sign off the 56-year-old’s story with another Premier League crown. Extending on their FA Cup adventure over the weekend as they secured an action-packed 5-2 victory against Championship outfit Norwich, the one-time Borussia Dortmund boss is looking to make more history this year. Marking their return to top-flight action holding a five-point buffer at the top of the table, Liverpool have suffered just a single domestic defeat across any competition so far this season. Firing al all cylinders and storming their way to a Europa League knockout stage ticket last month, Liverpool have also gained a reputation for their continued purple patch on home soil. In fact, Klopp’s side are unbeaten in all of their last 22 straight Premier League showdowns at Anfield – a run that stems all the way back to October 2022.

Team News

Suffering a hamstring injury while away with Egypt at this month’s Africa Cup of Nations, Liverpool will once again be without attacking talisman Mohamed Salah on Wednesday night. Likewise, Klopp will also be unable to call upon the Rio of Joel Matip, Konstantinos Tsimikas and ex-Barcelona ace Thiago Alcantara.

However, returning from a long-term shoulder injury, Scotland international Andrew Robertson could make a first Premier League appearance since the start of October. Both handed a rest over the weekend, Virgil van Dijk and Trent Alexander-Arnold should be handed a full recall at Anfield.

Chelsea

As for the visitors, although Chelsea might be seeking a minor miracle in their bid to punch a crucial European return this season, the Blues do appear to have turned a recent corner. Mounting an EFL Cup comeback at Stamford Bridge last week as they eventually stormed their way to a 6-1 romp against Championship outfit Middlesbrough, Mauricio Pochettino’s men have lost just one of their previous seven appearances across all competitions. However, facing what will be a stern challenge when they travel to Anfield on Wednesday night, the former Tottenham boss will have a continued headache over his side’s issues on the road. Including a 4-1 drumming at the hands of Newcastle, Chelsea have lost five of their last six showdowns away from Stamford Bridge – a run that stems back to November 6th. Despite snatching a 1-1 stalemate when they welcomed Liverpool to west London earlier in the season, the Blues are rightfully tipped as an underdog contender.

Team News

Still dealing with a stacked injury list, Chelsea will travel to Anfield without the likes of Reece James, Marc Cucurella, Wesley Fofana, Robert Sanchez and Malo Gusto. Suffering an injury-set back last month, it remains to be seen if former RB Leipzig star Christopher Nkunku will feature on Wednesday night.

Notching nine Premier League strikes since arriving from Manchester City last summer, England international Cole Palmer will have a leading role to play here. In what looks set to be a welcomed boost, former Leicester defender Ben Chilwell should make a first Premier League appearance since the end of September.

Key Factors to Consider

• When Liverpool and Chelsea met for their reverse Premier League showdown on August 13th, Wednesday’s opponents played out a 1-1 stalemate at Stamford Bridge.
• In fact, all of the last seven straight domestic meetings between Liverpool and Chelsea have finished in a draw.
• Klopp’s side are unbeaten in all of their last 22 straight Premier League showdowns at Anfield.
• Chelsea have lost five of their previous six away fixtures across all competitions.
• Eight of the previous nine meetings between Wednesday’s opponents have finished with under 2.5 goals.

Conclusion

While Chelsea might have suffered just a single defeat from any of their previous seven appearances across all competitions, the Blues are enduring a real crisis away from Stamford Bridge. With Klopp shockingly announcing his Liverpool retirement plan last week, we could be set for an emotionally charged night on Merseyside. With Wednesday’s hosts remarkably not tasting a single Premier League defeat in front of their own supporters since way back in October 2022, the title contenders will certainly be looking to make another statement.

Verdict: Liverpool win

Best Odds: 4/7

Bookmaker: Luckster