Premier League 2022-23: Liverpool vs Chelsea: Predicted Lineup, injury news, head-to-head

Both teams are struggling this season and desperately need a win to boost their confidence.

It has been a miserable start to 2023 in the Premier League for Liverpool, even if they did enjoy FA Cup success against Wolves earlier in the week. The Reds have lost both of their league games against Brentford and Brighton, conceding three times in both matches. The ninth-placed Reds and 10th-placed Blues only have 28 points to boast from their top-flight outings approaching the midway point of the season, although the hosts hold a game in hand over their capital counterparts.

Graham Potter’s side, at least, got back to winning ways last time out against Crystal Palace, but with just two wins in their last 10 leagues games– none of which have come on the road – Potter will need his magic to start working in his 20th game in all competitions in charge of the Blues. Potter continues to receive the backing of the Chelsea board, despite only winning two of his last 10 Premier League games at the helm, and the Blues have embarked on an abysmal five-game winless run away from home in the top flight since overcoming Aston Villa in October.

Kick-off: Saturday, 21 January, 6:00 PM(IST), 12:30 PM(GMT)

Liverpool Form (all competitions): W-W-L-D-L-W

Chelsea Form (all competitions): W-D-L-L-L-W

Player to Watch

Liverpool

Cody Gakpo

His pace as well as majestic dribbling ability makes it very difficult for defenders to keep him quiet. Gakpo is also very strong, making it even harder for defenders as he can use his strength to hold them off. He also has great ball control and technique. On top of that, he’s really good with his movement and has great positional awareness. He is very new to the Premier League but he has got skills which can produce a threat to the opponents.

Chelsea

Mateo Kovacic

Kovačić often scans the field for a central line-breaking pass through the opposition defence, his presence in the midfield provides a lot of strength to his team. Mateo Kovačić is a spirited, adept midfield general who constantly strives to advance the ball with his progressive mentality while simultaneously guarding the defence against opposition breaks. 

Match Facts

• Liverpool has seen under 2.5 goals in 8 of their last 10 home matches against Chelsea in all competitions.

• Liverpool has drawn their last 4 matches against Chelsea in all competitions.

• Liverpool has been drawing at both half-time and full-time in their last 4 matches against Chelsea in all competitions.

Injury and Team news

Klopp rang the changes for the win over the Wolves and is expected to bring back some of his big-name players. Alisson should start in goal, while all of Mohamed Salah, Andy Robertson and Fabinho are in line to return.For Chelsea, Mykhailo Mudryk is in contention to make his debut in at least some capacity, although it comes too early for the likes of Reece James and Ben Chilwell despite their return to training. Denis Zakaria has become the latest Blues player struck down by injury and will not be available for around four weeks.

Head-to-head stats

Matches: 192

Chelsea: 65

Draw: 46

Liverpool: 80

Predicted Lineup

Liverpool Starting XI (4-3-3) :

Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Matip, Konate, Robertson; Elliott, Fabinho, Thiago; Salah, Nunez, Gakpo

Chelsea Starting XI (4-2-3-1) :

Kepa; Chalobah, Badiashile, Silva, Hall; Kovacic, Jorginho, Gallagher; Ziyech, Aubameyang, Mount

Prediction

It’s hard to gauge Liverpool at the moment, while Chelsea’s options have been absolutely decimated by injury. With neither at full strength, a draw seems a likely outcome. Both teams will give their best to get three points, but the match will end up in a stalemate.

Prediction: Liverpool 1-1 Chelsea

Telecast

UK - BT Sports

US - NBC Sports

India - Star Sports Select 1, Star Sports Select 2 and Hotstar

Nigeria - Sporty TV