Liverpool vs Chelsea: Pre-match report
This week English football will be talking about Liverpool and Chelsea as they have back-to-back matches against each other. Tonight, the two teams will be competing in the third round of the League (Carabao) Cup, with Liverpool hosting Chelsea at the Anfield. This is the first time, this season, these two undefeated sides are locking horns. A detailed match-preview follows.
Interesting facts to gear you up for the match
Liverpool and Chelsea are two most successful clubs in this competition, having won it eight and five times respectively. Chelsea have remained undefeated at Anfield in the last seven matches. They were last defeated 1-4 in 2012. Liverpool have won just two matches against Chelsea out of their last 14. The two teams will be meeting for the 57th time in the 21st century.
Team news from the Merseyside corner
Lovren might return tonight after recovering from his injury while Virgil van Dijk's rib injury will keep him out. Simon Mignolet is also set to return as the goalkeeper in his first match of the season. Origi and Lallana might also be out due to injuries. Klopp will be going for his usual line-up of 4-3-3 with Salah, Sturridge, and Shaqiri leading the attack.
How are the Blues shaping up?
Pedro (shoulder), Antonio Rudiger (groin) and Ruben (foot) will be kept away from tonight's action because of their injuries. Caballero might feature in the match tonight, which would be his first appearance this season. Sarri might field a 4-3-3 line-up tonight with Willian, Alvaro, and Hazard taking up the attacking duties. Major names like Jorghino and Kante will also be starting at Anfield.
Predicted starting XI: Liverpool vs Chelsea
Liverpool: Mignolet, Clyne, Matip, Gomez, Moreno, Henderson, Fabinho, Keita, Shaqiri, Mane, Sturridge. Chelsea: Kepa, Zappacosta, Christensen, Luiz, Alonso, Jorginho, Kante, Barkley, Willian, Alvaro, Hazard.
