We take a look at how Liverpool’s starting lineup could look when they host Chelsea at Anfield on Wednesday night.
Jurgen Klopp’s Reds take to the Anfield surface for the final time this season against Guus Hiddink’s Blues, in their penultimate Premier League fixture.
The Europa League final is the obvious priority for the Reds, but having admitted he is yet to decide his lineup for the St. Jakob-Park showdown, Wednesday night’s “big game” will need positive displays from those involved to stake a claim for a starting shirt in Switzerland.
The Liverpool boss will also want to sign off at Anfield with three points in front of the home crowd and Klopp is set to name his strongest team as he looks for his side to make a postive end to the season on all stages.
Team News
- Klopp set to return to first-choice picks vs. Chelsea
- Jordan Henderson in light training but captain still a way off match action
- Same absentees out with Divock Origi also still missing
- Dejan Lovren and Kolo Toure set to return to central defensive roles after Sunday rest
- Nathaniel Clyne in line to return at right-back
- Alberto Moreno likely to start again despite playing Thursday and Sunday
- Emre Can and James Milner poised to resume midfield partnership
- Joe Allen hopeful goalscoring display vs. Watford secures second consecutive start
- Adam Lallana set to return after weekend off
- Philippe Coutinho could be rested after playing twice in quick succession
- Roberto Firmino pushing for starting berth after goalscoring display on Sunday
- Daniel Sturridge set to lead the line
Liverpool’s XI vs. Chelsea
With Klopp confirming those who have had a “normal week” will return, Liverpool are set to line up with their strongest XI against Hiddink’s men.
Rested trio Clyne, Lovren and Toure will join Sunday survivors Mignolet and Moreno to complete the defence, while Can and stand-in skipper Milner are certain to re-form the midfield partnership.
A refreshed Lallana and Firmino appear certain to rejoin Coutinho, with the first-choice trio starting in support of the returning Sturridge.
Liverpool would therefore look like this at Anfield:
Klopp has confirmed the refreshed Reds will play on Wednesday but with Moreno and Coutinho having played successive games, the German could consider resting the pair.
Switching the Spaniard is difficult due to the lack of a fit and senior replacement for an important game, but Klopp does have the ability to rest Coutinho – which he could do by opting for a 4-3-3 or even a 4-4-2 diamond.
With the same back four, Lucas Leiva could move into his natural position at the base of midfield, with Can and Milner either side and Lallana playing at the tip, supporting strike duo Firmino and Sturridge.
Those adjustments to shape and personnel could see the Reds line up like this at Anfield:
The Reds started to close their season positively on Sunday, and Klopp’s side must add to that with another three points as they seek to build confidence and momentum ahead of the big day.
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