Liverpool host Chelsea at Anfield on Thursday night in what could be a pivotal match in the Premier League top-four race.
The home side sit sixth in the league table, one spot and one point behind Chelsea.
Liverpool will be hoping to avoid a fifth home defeat in a row but could be in for a night of discomfort as Chelsea are unbeaten in nine matches under Thomas Tuchel.
Speaking about the top-four earlier today, Jurgen Klopp said:
“A week ago we were out, now we are around again. The challenge and the job is clear, we have to win as many games as possible to make the top-four.
“Chelsea has the same targets.
“We will give it a proper try.”
The home side come into the game with some momentum after ending a streak of four successive losses on Sunday, beating Sheffield United 2-0 at Bramall Lane.
The Reds dominated and deserved to win that game, Curtis Jones opening the scoring just after halftime and was well praised for his overall performance after the match.
Graeme Souness on Curtis Jones: “This boy is full of technique, he can run with the ball, he can dribble with the ball, he takes the ball in the tight areas and he puts a shift in. At 20-years-old, he has a chance to be a real player for this club.” #awlfc [sky] pic.twitter.com/n94OEHZOxu
— Anfield Watch (@AnfieldWatch) March 1, 2021
Just past the hour mark, an own goal from Kean Bryan secured the win for the champions, who will be hoping to build on this result and get their season back on track.
Jurgen Klopp’s men will be looking to put an end to their poor run of form at home.
Liverpool have lost their last four games at Anfield, making it the team’s worst run since 1923.
If the Merseyside team lose tomorrow night, it will be first time in the club’s history that they have suffered five successive home defeats.
Speaking about the club, Klopp said: “To understand this club you have to meet as many legends as possible.
“You get information from players of the past. They know properly how you feel when you go out on the pitch.
“They tell wonderful stories and that’s that petrol of dreams.”
Meanwhile, Chelsea will be looking to capitalise on Liverpool’s poor form.
The away side haven’t won at Anfield in their last six league visits.
The blues held Manchester United to a goalless draw at Stamford Bridge on Sunday night.
The new Chelsea under Thomas Tuchel, still boast some impressive wins as of recent, including a victory over Atletico Madrid in their Champions League round-of-16, first leg encounter.
Team News
Liverpool’s Fabinho is in line to return, speaking about the Brazilian ability to play in defence and midfield, Klopp said:
“Both is possible. It’s good. It gives us options.
“If you can find a way to bring Fabinho back into midfield in some games that would be useful.”
Diogo Jota is also back in training for the Reds, when asked about the Portuguese forward, Liverpool’s manager said:
“Jota trained yesterday a little bit and today I was told he feels better, so we’ll see what steps he can make.”
Virgil Van Dijk, Joe Gomez, Jordan Henderson, Joel Matip and Caoimhin Kelleher all remain on the injury list.
On the other hand, Chelsea have a full squad, however centre back Thiago Silva will not be available for the Blues.
