Here we go- Chelsea at Liverpool, in what is the Premier League’s headliner fixture this weekend. The Reds have the advantage of an extra day off over the Blues, while Chelsea were able to rest their starters in their significantly in their midweek Champions League blowout victory. Chelsea star Eden Hazard says his side will be very rested and very ready for this one.
Liverpool were not afforded the same luxury of sitting their first team guys as they battled Sevilla to a draw.
Chelsea starting XI prediction available at this link.
Chelsea manager Antonio Conte said the preparations for this game started right on the flight from Azerbaijan last night, after the Blues routed Qarabag. So without further ado, let’s take a look at who will be missing, who will be back and who’s a doubt for this one.
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp told the club’s official website that defender Joel Matip could be back for this one.
“He is good,” Klopp said. “I think there will be a big chance he will be ready for Saturday.”
Nathaniel Clyne continues his recovery, and he remains out until most likely February.
Adam Lallana “is getting nearer and nearer” to a return according to Klopp, but he won’t be rushed back too soon. Don’t expect to see him on the pitch at Anfield come Saturday.
On the flip side, striker Michy Batshuayi remains a doubt for Chelsea after suffering an ankle injury while on international duty with Belgium. Charly Musonda and Kenedy are also both potentially out, but Victor Moses is expected to return in time to face his former club.
For the Liverpool starting XI prediction go this link.
Jurgen Klopp press conference video available at this link.
Odds: Liverpool 21/20, Draw 5/2, Chelsea 12/5
Prediction: Chelsea 2, Liverpool FC 2
As always feel free to post your own LFC starting XI and match score predictions in the comments section below.
Paul M. Banks runs The Sports Bank.net and TheBank.News, which is partnered with News Now. Banks, a former writer for the Washington Times, NBC Chicago.com and Chicago Tribune.com, currently contributes regularly to WGN CLTV and the Tribune company’s blogging community Chicago Now.
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