Liverpool vs Chelsea: Klopp hopes to revive side in milestone match - January 21

January 20, 2023 By Michelle Bonsu

Topics: TV Schedules, TV Listings, Liverpool, Chelsea, English Premier League

Both Liverpool and Chelsea have struggled so far this season, and as such, each team will be hoping to get back to winning ways on Saturday.

On Saturday, Jurgen Klopp will be on the tactician's bench for his 1,000th game, and it goes without saying that the German tactician will hope for a better start to 2023. Currently in ninth place, Liverpool have lost their last two games, including a shocking and embarrassing 3-0 reversal to Brighton. That was preceeded by another bad result, as they were beaten 3-1 by Brentford, but they did turn a small corner by beating Wolves 1-0 in the FA Cup third-round replay match on Tuesday.

However, they are currently ten points away from a Champions League spot, meaning that featuring in European club football's premier competition is looking increasingly unlikely. That being said, Liverpool's form at home is nothing to scoff at. With just one loss in their last 32 on home turf, they certainly do look like the favorites to pick up a much needed three points against a Chelsea side who have been quite poor this season.

The Blues are suffering from a serious case of the blues, to say the least. They've won just two of their last ten Premier League games, and presently find themselves in 10th spot. Graham Potter so far remains in charge, despite growing discontent among Chelsea fans, and injuries have started to pile up at the worst possible time. New signing Joao Felix's debut was nothing short of a nightmare, as the Portuguese international received a red card and will be required to serve a three match ban.

While Potter's men picked up a narrow 1-0 win over Crystal Palace, it was hardly an inspiring performance for a team who look unlikely to feature in the Champions League next season.

A win for Chelsea would see them move up into the top half of the table, as they are currently tied with Liverpool on points, but behind the Reds on goal difference. However, that will certainly be much easier said than done, as Liverpool have lost just two of their last Premier League matches against Chelsea, and with Chelsea struggling to keep everyone fit, it could be a really tough ask for the visitors to earn a much needed win on Saturday afternoon.

Match facts: Liverpool vs Chelsea

Liverpool have lost just two of their last 15 Premier League matches against Chelsea (W6 D7)
However, the Reds come into this match having lost their last two league games in 2023, and are hoping to avoid losing three in a row in a calendar year for the first time since 1993
Chelsea have won just two of their last 10 Premier League games (D3 L5)

Team news: Liverpool vs Chelsea

Liverpool: Arthur, Luis Diaz, Diogo Jota, Roberto Firmino and Virgil van Dijk are all still out injured, while Darwin Nunez is expected to make his return after missing out due to an unspecified issue.

Chelsea: Chelsea are facing an alarming injury crisis, with Raheem Sterling, Wesley Fofana, Ben Chilwell, Christian Pulisic, Edouard Mendy, N'Golo Kante, Reece James, Armando Broja and Denis Zakaria all out injured. New signing Joao Felix is serving the second of a three match ban, while Kai Havertz missed training recently for undisclosed reasons, but may be back in time for this match.