Likely Anfield stalemate will stifle both sides
The now ubiquitous Thursday evening Premier League kick-off sees two of the 'Big Six' square off at Anfield, with sixth taking on fifth. Liverpool's away win at Sheffield United has seen them creep back into the picture for automatic European qualification, whilst Chelsea's drab 0-0 with Manchester United kept them in the hunt for a Champions League spot. Recent previous meetings have tended to yield goals, but with so many players out for the Reds and Thomas Tuchel trying to get the very most of the squad he's inherited, the outcome of the match might resemble many hyped up clashes in 2020/2021 - short on action, even shorter on goals. Read our preview here:
Alisson chains
Whilst some things in life, especially at the moment, are bigger than football, the 'virtual' Kop faithful will be desperate for Alisson to return in between the sticks, despite the Brazilian custodian's indifferent form this season. The 28 year old was left out of the matchday squad's trip to Bramall Lane after the unfortunate passing of his father, but with youngster Caoimhín Kelleher also out, supporters will sincerely hope their #1 is able to make an appearance. The sweeper keeper has made unforced errors several times in trying to play out from the back, but a player of his stature is required in what is in fact a crucial game for both sides. Fabinho will also be rushed back to replace Nat Phillips in front of the shot-stopper, with Jürgen Klopp more than aware of the attacking threats Chelsea possess. The clean sheet gained (in Alisson's absence) is now a rarity for Liverpool in the league, and whoever is in goal will be almost certainly severely tested several times when the cobbled together defensive unit is breached.
Time to Wern
After an initial boost under new management, German striker Timo Werner's performances have again taken a tumble under Tuchel, but he will almost certainly need the former RB Leipzig hitman's pace and ability to pop up in unexpected positions to unsettle the hosts' shaky back four that much more. The likely shape on Thursday evening should play to his strengths too, allowing Kai Havertz and Mason Mount licence to get forward in close support frequently to open up passing lanes and triangles to get beyond any offside trap their opponents attempt to spring. The ability of the wider centre backs to cover down the flanks should also nullify the attempts to be subject to the counterpress in their own third, with outlets in a few areas to confidently aim for and pick out.
Keep in Tuch
In theory, there is enough individual talent in attacking areas to make it an exciting, end-to-end game, as was the case only last July in an eight-goal epic. However, the questions being posed of both keepers is overshadowed by forwards who are either out of form or struggling to really establish themselves in the Premier League. There's also the chance that the differing tactical approaches will cancel each other out, and it will it devolve more into a case of who blinks first or makes a mistake than anything approaching an edifying spectacle. betway have odds of 2.00 for under 2.5 goals in this one.
