EPL 2016/17: Chelsea Vs Liverpool - Preview, team news, predicted line-ups

Add as a preferred source on Google

London, Sep 15: Chelsea take on Liverpool in a crucial game week 5 encounter on Saturday midnight (September 17) at Stamford Bridge. [EPL 2016-17: Schedule of Game week 5]

Placed second in the English Premier League table at the moment, Antonio Conte's side has remained unbeaten so far in the tournament.

Liverpool at the moment are in the sixth position with 7 points from the first 4 matches.

This fixture has always remained a high tension game due to the stature of both the teams in the league. Both sets of fans will be eagerly waiting for this game.

Liverpool are expected to go all guns blazing in this match and will eye full three points against the Blues to go up the table.

Chelsea too will look forward to bag all three points in this home fixture to keep the pressure on Manchester City at the top of the table.

Team News

Antonio Conte will miss the services of veteran defender and club captain John Terry due to a foot ligament injury. Terry had received a knock against Swansea City last week.

New recruit David Luiz who was signed back from Paris Saint-Germain on the transfer deadline day is likely to replace John Terry in the central defence. He will partner Gary Cahill. Rest of the team is likely to remain same.

Jurgen Klopp, on the other hand, will have the entire squad at his disposal against Chelsea on Friday night. The team will be high on confidence after their 4-1 against Leicester City last weekend.

Liverpool are likely to field the fame starting XI from last weekend.

Predicted XIs

Chelsea starting XI (4-1-4-1)

Goalkeeper: Thibaut Courtois

Defenders: Branislav Ivanovic, Gary Cahill, David Luiz, Cesar Azpilicueta

Midfielders: N'Golo Kante; Willian, Nemanja Matic, Oscar, Eden Hazard

Striker: Diego Costa

Liverpool starting XI

Goalkeeper: Simon Mignolet

Defenders: Nathaniel Clyne, Dejan Lovren, Joel Matip, James Milner

Midfielders: Georigio Wijnaldum, Jordan Henderson, Adam Lallana

Strikers: Sadio Mane, Roberto Firmino, Phillip Coutinho

Key players

Eden Hazard: The Belgium international and star Chelsea player is in fine form this season. He has already scored 2 goals in the first 4 matches. Hazard will be the key threat on the Liverpool defence. Reds right-back Nathaniel Clyne will be in charge of Hazard and has to keep a vigilant eye on the left winger.

Sadio Mane: Mane joined Liverpool from Southampton and has already made a great impact for Jurgen klopp's side. Sadio Mane has been preferred on the right flank in Klopp's 4-3-3 formation. Chelsea's Cesar Azpilicueta will be in charge to mark the winger and keep him silent.

Prediction

Chelsea 1-1 Liverpool

OneIndia News