KICK off: 4 March 22:15
Team news: Liverpool’s lengthy injury list throughout the season has been well publicised, but Klopp could be handed a triple boost ahead of this match. Alisson Becker sat out against Sheffield United on compassionate grounds following the tragic death of his father in a swimming accident in Brazil last week, but the goalkeeper is expected to return for this match. Alisson’s compatriot Fabinho is also in line to return, although Klopp must make a decision whether to use him in midfield or in defence, where Nat Phillips and Ozan Kabak have formed the Reds’ 18th different centre-back partnership of the season over the last game-and-a-half. Kabak in particular looked shaky against Everton and Sheffield United, and Klopp could therefore lean towards Phillips keeping his place alongside Fabinho at the heart of the defence. The other potential returnee is Diogo Jota, who missed the Sheffield United game through illness but has now recovered from the knee injury which has kept him out since December. The Portuguese attacker is unlikely to start even if he has overcome his illness, but he could be used off the bench to give one of the front three a much-needed rest. Jordan Henderson, Joe Gomez, Virgil van Dijk, Joel Matip and Caoimhin Kelleher all remain sidelined for the hosts. Chelsea, by contrast, have almost a clean bill of health with Thiago Silva and Tammy Abraham their only fitness concerns. Hudson-Odoi was taken off at half time against Manchester United and was spotted with an ice pack on his knee, but Tuchel has eased concerns over his fitness and he should be available for this match. Silva is now back in training but Thursday’s match could come too soon for him to start, while Abraham has also emerged as a doubt due to an ankle problem and will be assessed having been left out of the matchday squad entirely at the weekend. Whether Abraham is passed fit or not, Tuchel has plenty of decisions to make in the attacking areas, with Timo Werner also only featuring off the bench and Kai Havertz left as an unused sub against Man United. Olivier Giroud, who has scored seven Premier League goals against Liverpool including four at Anfield, will be hopeful of keeping his place up front, but he is one of many players whose position looks uncertain with such depth available to Tuchel. Reece James, Christian Pulisic, Werner, Marcos Alonso, Kurt Zouma, Havertz and Jorginho were all on the bench against Manchester United at the weekend and will hope to benefit from any rotation to keep the squad fresh.
Prediction: Over 2,5 goals
Stake: 8/10
League: England
Result: pending
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Prediction of the day: Liverpool – Chelsea
