Liverpool vs Chelsea: Match preview, betting tips and predictions

All eyes will be on Hudson Odoi as he tries to impress against Liverpool in a clash of top four hopefuls at Anfield on Thursday. (Photo credit: Premierleague.com)

Liverpool vs Chelsea
Anfield
9:15pm

Never was it imagined at the beginning of the current season, that Liverpool would need points at this stage to keep their top four hopes alive, in a season of crazy turns, it is what it is…

Chelsea travel to Anfield on Thursday to negotiate Liverpool, a team on the brink of collapse with notable names on the treatment table and the ones available to play struggle for confidence and self-belief after series of underwhelming performances culminating in four successive losses.

Same Liverpool that sent many teams on self-evaluation journey last season with blistering displays and commanding tactics, failing to keep the sacredness of their own ground that used to be a fortress, bowing to tame efforts from Burnley and Brighton, how the mighty fall meekly…

Chelsea’s goalless draw against Manchester United over the weekend came with mixed feelings as the Blues would feel they deserved three points but they might also feel some element of luck following a VAR decision that went their way after Callum Hudson Odoi handled in the box earlier on.

Liverpool returned to winning ways with a 2-0 win at Bramall Lane on Sunday, it was a result that offered fresh breath and reprieve following a rush of negatives including rare home losses and injuries to key players.

Liverpool over time have bossed this particular fixture, one point however separate the two at the moment on the log with an incentive of crashing into the top four as West Ham doesn’t play twice in the current game week.

Chelsea haven’t beaten Liverpool in the league in a while but they were successful in the FA Cup against Jurgen Klopp’s men exactly one year ago; Thomas Tuchel knows the Liverpool manager enough for him to know what to expect and fans, watching from distance can enjoy expansive and expressive showing.

Liverpool’s injury woes continue but they could have Fabinho back for this fixture, Naby Keita should be fit but there are big chances that weekend hero, Curtis Jones will be backed to continue alongside Gini Wijnaldum and Thiago Alcantara.

On Chelsea’s part, they have limited injury worries, Thiago Silva is back in contention and Tammy Abraham is the only doubt ahead of the all-important clash at Anfield on Thursday night.

Top four is the extra incentive, bragging right is another but ultimately, momentum is key and either side will know this; after Manchester United stumbled at Selhurst and Leicester failed to get past Burnley in another stalemate, it’s up to Liverpool and the Blues to gain some ground on the teams currently sitting in the top four.

Playing style is slightly similar with Tuchel also depending on wing backs and pace, but they pass too many without real penetration, Mohammed Salah will be key as well as the much criticized Firminho, whichever form they both bring into this, fans will have a spectacle to enjoy.