Chelsea visits Liverpool on Sunday in what is unquestionably the headliner fixture of the weekend in world football. As we enter this blockbuster match, there is a ton of news being made off the pitch. Chelsea supporters in Prague sang an Islamophobic song directed at former Blues forward and current Reds star Mohamed Salah, and the video of this deplorable act went viral.
The actions of this group of six male Chelsea supporters has been condemned by both clubs, and well as denounced by Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp.
Elsewhere, Liverpool are reportedly in talks with a new kit manufacturer, and the potential partnership is poised to become the world’s most lucrative ever in world football.
In turning to on-the-pitch concerns, both clubs head into this match with near full fitness, and no players suspended. In other words, neither side should have any selection issues to speak of.
For the Reds, centre back Joe Gomez could make his first appearance since 2018, as he was named to the bench for Tuesday night’s Champions League quarter-final win over FC Porto.
Midfielder Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is not expected to play but he is nearing a return to match fitness following a serious knee injury suffered in the UCL semi-final round last season.
Midfielder Adam Lallana is a slight doubt, due to a less than severe muscular injury. For the Blues, youngster Ethan Ampadu has a back issue that will likely keep him out until the end of the month.
And really that’s it, everyone else is pretty much good to go.
Chelsea FC at Liverpool FC FYIs
Kickoff- Sunday Apr 14, Anfield 4:30 pm
Starting XI Predictions coming shortly: Liverpool Chelsea
Google Result Probability- Liverpool win 58%, Draw 24%, Chelsea win 18%
Prediction: Liverpool 3, Chelsea 2
Paul M. Banks runs The Sports Bank.net, which is partnered with News Now. Banks, a former writer for NBC Chicago.com and Chicago Tribune.com, regularly appears as a guest pundit on WGN CLTV and co-hosts the “Let’s Get Weird, Sports” podcast on SB Nation.
He also contributes sociopolitical essays to Chicago Now. Follow him on Twitter and Instagram. The content of his cat’s Instagram account is unquestionably superior to his.