Liverpool will host Chelsea at Anfield on Saturday as they aim to secure a place in the Champions League. Arne Slot’s side need one more victory to confirm a top-five finish in the Premier League. Chelsea travel to Merseyside amid a historic crisis, having lost six consecutive league matches. The Blues currently sit in ninth place and are desperate to avoid matching a 70-year losing record. This game marks their final outing before next week’s FA Cup final at Wembley.
Chelsea won the reverse fixture 2-1 in October and are seeking their first league double over Liverpool since 2014. However, the visitors have won only one of their last ten away games against the Reds. Liverpool have lost 11 league matches this season, their highest total since 2014-15, and have conceded two or more goals in 16 different fixtures. Despite these struggles, the hosts remain formidable at Anfield as they chase a return to Europe’s elite.
**Team News**
Alexander Isak is back in contention after returning to training yesterday following a minor injury. Giorgi Mamardashvili also resumed sessions today after a month on the sidelines with a leg wound. However, Mohamed Salah and Alisson Becker remain unavailable despite nearing their respective returns to training. Ibrahima Konate and Florian Wirtz are both available for selection this weekend. Conor Bradley and Hugo Ekitike remain long-term absentees for the Merseysiders.
Calum McFarlane confirmed that Reece James and Levi Colwill have trained fully this week. Both defenders could return to the starting lineup after lengthy spells on the sidelines. However, Robert Sanchez and Jesse Derry will miss the remainder of the season with head injuries. Pedro Neto and Alejandro Garnacho remain doubtful after carrying knocks in training. Filip Jorgensen is expected to start in goal for the visitors at Anfield.
Liverpool enter this clash following a painful 3-2 defeat at Old Trafford last weekend. They have struggled for defensive consistency, conceding in six of their last seven home games. Despite this, Dominik Szoboszlai has produced 13 goals and 10 assists this season, becoming the first Reds midfielder to hit double digits in both since Steven Gerrard. Slot’s men have taken 10 points from their last 12 available at Anfield.
The Blues have lost six consecutive matches for the first time since 1952. They have failed to keep a clean sheet in 13 straight league games. João Pedro remains a bright spot, having been involved in seven of their last nine goals. Estêvão also seeks to become the first teenager since Romelu Lukaku to score home and away in this fixture. Chelsea have conceded three goals in four of their last five outings.
**Predicted Lineups**
Liverpool XI: Woodman; Jones, Van Dijk, Konate, Kerkez; Gravenberch, Szoboszlai; Frimpong, Wirtz, Ngumoha; Gakpo
Chelsea XI: Jorgensen; James, Colwill, Chalobah, Cucurella; Santos, Caicedo, Lavia; Fernandez; Pedro, Delap
**How to Watch**
UK viewers can watch the match live on TNT Sports 1. Coverage begins at 11:00 BST ahead of the 12:30 kick-off. Subscribers can also stream the action via the HBO Max app and website.