Chelsea come into this game looking for a huge three points that would see them secure Champions League qualification for next season.
The Blues booked their spot in the FA Cup final last Sunday when they beat Manchester United 3-1, so the team’s confidence will be very high.
Tonight they come up against a Liverpool side who, even though they’ve wrapped up the league, will be looking to get a victory in preparation for their trophy lift following the game this evening.
Frank Lampard spoke in his press conference yesterday that N’Golo Kante remains out with a hamstring injury, but Chelsea should remain confident that they can pull off a huge result tonight, even without a crucial part of their midfield.
Predicted XI
In terms of how we’ll line up tonight, here is my predicted XI below.
- As good as the 3-4-3 worked at the weekend, I think Frank will revert back to 4-3-3.
- Kepa Arrizabalaga returns.
- Marcos Alonso drops out of the defence to allow Cesar Azpilicueta to return to left back.
- It worked really well against Utd and has done multiple times this season, so I think Frank will keep Jorginho and Mateo Kovacic in that ‘double pivot’.
- Mount starting is a given, his pressing game and work rate is crucial to the team.
- Pulisic back into the squad after he was rested at the weekend.
- Giroud remains, he’s our most inform striker at the moment.
- I think Frank will keep Willian on the right, as much as I think he needs a rest. I would like to see Hudson-Odoi start but I think it is unlikely.
Taking advantage
I think we can pull off a result tonight, we came really close to getting a result against Liverpool in the league earlier in the season and if we can take advantage of the hosts’ poor recent form, this could be massive for us.
We certainly have the tools to cause Liverpool problems and I’m very much looking forward to tonight’s clash.
Prediction: Liverpool 1-2 Chelsea