class=”article_teaser__2t5do”>With Tuchel preferring a more measured tactical approach and the Reds lacking firepower, Al Hain-Cole expects a tense and tight encounter at Anfield
Liverpool and Chelsea will be looking to strike a significant blow in the fight for a place in the Premier League’s top four when they meet at Anfield on Thursday.
The Reds are a point adrift of their guests and two points behind fourth-placed West Ham, although did bring their four-match league winning streak to an end by beating Sheffield United last time out.
Liverpool vs Chelsea Latest Odds
Having won their last four consecutive league matches against this opposition, they are available at 6/5 (2.20) with bet365 to leapfrog them into the Champions League places by making it five in a row.
However, Thomas Tuchel is unbeaten in nine matches since replacing Frank Lampard in the dugout and can be backed at 21/10 (3.10) to extend that record with a massive win here.
The guests’ last two league matches have both resulted in draws, and you can get odds of 13/5 (3.60) on them playing out another stalemate in this one.
Liverpool vs Chelsea Team News
Diogo Jota will be assessed after missing his comeback from long-term injury at Sheffield United due to illness, while Fabinho and Caoihmin Kelleher are also doubtful and Virgil Van Dijk, Joe Gomez, Joel Matip and Jordan Henderson are ruled out.
Callum Hudson-Odoi should be fit to play despite picking up a slight knock in Sunday’s 0-0 draw with Manchester United, with Thiago Silva also back in contention after returning to training following a hamstring injury.
Liverpool vs Chelsea Preview
So much has changed since the last meeting between these two sides at Anfield when Jurgen Klopp’s newly-crowned champions ran out 5-3 winners in a topsy-turvy match back in July 2020.
Without a single goal from open play in their last five home matches, it is very difficult to see the hosts having anywhere near that kind of attacking joy against a Blues side that has looked very measured under their new manager.
Indeed, Chelsea have conceded only twice in nine matches since the former PSG boss took over, although have scored only 10 times themselves in total.
Liverpool vs Chelsea Tips and Predictions
Considering Liverpool’s lack of cutting edge recently, even money (2.00) seems generous on under 2.5 goals being scored in a tight encounter on Thursday.
All odds correct at time of writing. Please gamble responsibly.