class=”article_teaser__2t5do”>Boasting a strong record against the Reds, Al Hain-Cole thinks the Frenchman could provide the key to unlock a tight encounter for Tuchel's men
Liverpool will need to dig deep for inspiration when they take on Chelsea at Anfield in Thursday’s Premier League clash.
The Reds have failed to score a single goal from open play in their last five matches on home turf and are up against a team that has only conceded twice in nine games under Thomas Tuchel.
Mohamed Salah’s penalty in the 4-1 defeat against Manchester City is the only goal Jurgen Klopp’s men have scored at Anfield in 2021, with the Egyptian star leading the Premier League scoring charts with 17 goals.
On target seven times in his last nine appearances, he is bet365’s 3/1 (4.00) favourite to open the scoring against his former club and priced at just at 5/6 (1.83) to strike anytime.
Sadio Mane has scored just five league goals in 21 games since his match-winning double in September’s 2-0 reverse encounter at Stamford Bridge but he can be backed at 11/8 (2.38) to get back among the goals here.
Roberto Firmino had a much-needed confidence booster taken away when his deflected strike against Sheffield United went down as a Kean Bryan own goal on Monday, although he is available at 15/8 (2.88) to leave no room for doubt by scoring against Chelsea for the third league game in four.
With just 10 goals to their name in nine matches under their new manager, the Blues are also slightly lacking in cutting edge as they arrive on Merseyside.
Having scored twice in his last four appearances, Olivier Giroud is their 5/1 (6.00) favourite to break the deadlock and available at 6/4 (2.50) to strike anytime.
That anytime price could well be a good option considering the Frenchman has scored seven times in 13 league appearances against Liverpool, who have kept just one clean sheet in their last eight league fixtures.
Giroud is certainly ahead of Tammy Abraham in the pecking order, with the England striker priced at 7/4 (2.75) to score a first league goal under Tuchel.
Mason Mount has hit the back of the net in two of his last four league matches and is a tempting 10/3 (4.33) longer shot to get on the scoresheet in what promises to be a tight encounter.
All odds correct at time of writing. Please gamble responsibly.