Liverpool only need a draw at Chelsea on Sunday to qualify for next season’s Champions League, but they are coming up against an in-form Blues outfit.
Chelsea vs. Liverpool
Sunday, May 6, 2018 – 4.30pm (BST)
Stamford Bridge
Premier League
Referee: Anthony Taylor
What a time this is to be a Reds supporter.
Reaching the Champions League final is an extraordinary effort by Jurgen Klopp and his players, and a final with Real Madrid awaits on May 26.
For now, though, Premier League commitments take precedence for what feels like the first time in a while.
Sunday’s trip to Stamford Bridge is another massive game for Liverpool, who know that victory will officially see them finish in the top four this season.
Legs will be tired after their excursions against Roma, however, and Chelsea will turn up full of confidence after a good run of form.
Not only have the Blues made it to the FA Cup final, but three impressive league wins in succession, against Southampton, Burnley and Swansea City, have kept their Champions League hopes alive.
Victory for them this weekend would take them to within three points of Liverpool with a game in hand, although the Reds’ superior goal difference (+36 to Chelsea‘s +27) works heavily in their favour.
This will be an almighty test for Klopp’s men, and coming away from west London with either a draw or a win would represent another huge result in an increasingly special season.
If they lose, it will make for final-day nerves at home to Brighton a week on Sunday, where a win will likely be required.
Last Meeting: Liverpool 1-1 Chelsea
Team News
There are no new injury problems for Klopp to contend with, but he is still without Joe Gomez, Joel Matip, Emre Can and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.
Adam Lallana has a chance of making the matchday squad, but the 29-year-old’s role is still unknown.
Klopp will consider making changes to his starting lineup after the players’ efforts at Stadio Olimpico, but this is such an important game that he cannot afford too many alterations.
Nathaniel Clyne, Ragnar Klavan and Alberto Moreno are options in defence, if required, but all three have looked a little rusty when used of late.
With Lallana highly unlikely to feature from the beginning and Ben Woodburn still making just one appearance this season, Jordan Henderson, Gini Wijnaldum and James Milner are likely midfield starters once again.
The wonderful front three of Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino are also expected to play, but Danny Ings and Dominic Solanke are waiting in the wings.
David Luiz is the only Chelsea player unavailable, with the Brazilian missing with a knee injury.
Last 5 at Chelsea (All Competitions)
Won 2-1 – September, 2016 (Costa; Lovren, Henderson)
Won 3-1 – October, 2015 (Ramires; Coutinho x2, Benteke)
Drew 1-1 – May, 2015 (Terry; Gerrard)
Lost 1-0 – January, 2015 (Ivanovic)
Lost 2-1 – December, 2013 (Hazard, Eto’o; Skrtel)
Stamford Bridge
Capacity: 41,663
Away fans’ pubs: “The Courtfield Tavern next to Earl’s Court tube station is away fan friendly, but this could easily be a setup!” Chelsea fan Richard Long told us.
One piece of advice for visiting fan: “Away fans who turn up within 30 minutes of the gates opening (two hours before kickoff) can get a pint of beer, hot dog or pie for £2.50 inside the stadium,” he added.
Did You Know?
Liverpool have only won six times at Stamford Bridge in the Premier League in 25 attempts.
The Reds have been victorious on their last two trips there, however, winning 2-1 last season and 3-1 the previous year.
Form
Chelsea – Last five results (all competitions)
Won 1-0 vs. Swansea
Won 2-0 vs. Southampton
Won 2-1 vs. Burnley
Won 3-2 vs. Southampton
Drew 1-1 vs. West Ham
Liverpool – Last five results (all competitions)
Lost 4-2 vs. Roma
Drew 0-0 vs. Stoke
Won 5-2 vs. Roma
Drew 2-2 vs. West Brom
Won 3-0 vs. Bournemouth
Klopp’s View
Speaking at Melwood on Friday afternoon, Klopp stressed the need for a renewed push as the Reds pursue a top-four finish:
“The whole season is a constant challenge, we really fought so hard so far, now we have to finish the job.
“Yes, of course it’s an advantage for Chelsea not playing in the week but we had a big success, even if we lost the game.
“It will be the same intensity as in Rome, Chelsea need to win and we want to.
“It’s clear that we can make life easier for ourselves if we get a result at Chelsea, but it was always a difficult place [to go] and will stay [the same] in the future.
“We try everything to be 100 percent ready, that’s it.”
TV & Live Blog Info
The pre-game coverage is live on Sky Sports Main Event from 4.15pm (BST), with proceedings getting underway at Stamford Bridge at 4.30pm.
Ben Twelves is in charge of TIA’s matchday live blog from 3.45pm, as he hopefully guides you through Liverpool booking their place in next season’s Champions League.
