Chelsea faced Liverpool and beat them 1-0 at Stamford Bridge on Sunday in the Premier League and this match was going to be the decider battle in the top four race of Premier League. The Blues were in a must-win match to keep their hope alive for the Champions League spot in the next season. The Blues will go all out to win this match against the Reds. Things are clearly going in the favour of Conte’s side in the closing stage of the season. Liverpool have drawn against the relegated side Stoke City and Tottenham Hotspur were defeated by another relegated side West Bromwich Albion on this Saturday with a stoppage time winner scored by Jack Livermore at the Hawthorns. The 1-0 defeat will keep Tottenham Hotspur not in a very safe zone in the top four race. Any bad result from here on could end their dream of finishing in the top four positions in the Premier League this season.
On the other hand, Liverpool have nothing to lose from this match. They will try to get at least one point from this game as it might be enough for the Reds to finish in the top four in the Premier League this season. Liverpool are now in the Final of the Champions League and their main focus will be now on winning the Champions League by defeating the reigning Champions Real Madrid. Will Jurgen Klopp and his men not take this match against Chelsea in the Premier League that much seriously? The question is lingering in the minds of every Chelsea fans. We have to wait and watch to see the managerial battle between Jurgen Klopp and Antonio Conte in the upcoming match.
Team News :
Chelsea :
Andreas Christensen will be available for the Blues after missing the previous match. David Luiz is unavailable due to knee injury. Thibaut Courtois will yet again surely start in goal while Christensen, Azpilicueta and Rudiger might start for Chelsea in a three man central defense, while Moses and Alonso will be there at two flanks. Fabregas and Kante will always be present in the heart of the midfield for Chelsea. Willian, Giroud and Hazard will be there upfront for the Blues against Liverpool, which will be a boost for Antonio Conte and his plans of beating Liverpool.
Liverpool :
Alberto Moreno could be missing for this game, due to an injury problem. Otherwise, Klopp will have the full squad in his hand to play. Karius will start in Liverpool goal against Chelsea while Gomez, Lovren, Van Dijk and Milner are expected to start against the Blues while Chamberlain, Henderson and Wijnaldum will be in the midfield for Liverpool. Mane, Salah and Firmino will start in the attacking line for Liverpool against the Blues.
Starting Eleven :
Chelsea (3-4-3):
Goalkeeper : Thibaut Courtois
Defenders :Antonio Rudiger, Andreas Christensen, Cesar Azpilicueta.
Midfielders : Victor Moses, N’Golo Kante, Cesc Fabregas, Davide Zappacosta.
Attackers : Pedro, Olivier Giroud, Eden Hazard.
Liverpool: (4-3-3)
Goalkeeper : Karius.
Defenders : Gomez, Lovren, Van Dijk, Robertson.
Midfielders : Milner, Henderson, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain,
Attackers : Mane, Salah, Firmino.
Final Score-
Chelsea 1-0 Liverpool
The race for a top four spot is wide open now and with both these teams having a cup final to worry about, it seems Spurs do have a minor advantage over their rivals. Conte will want to finish with a Champions League spot and win the FA Cup as well, though it will not be easy.
