Liverpool v Chelsea Preview : Can Liverpool Win at Anfield?

Last Updated : 2nd March, 2021 By Steve A

VENUE

Anfield

TIME

Thursday 4 March 8.15pm KO

BROADCAST

Live on Sky Sports

See Stats

Sixth placed Liverpool have lost their last four home games in the Premier League. They bid to end that almost unthinkable run with at least a point at home to Chelsea who are currently fifth in the Premier League table. More than draws will be needed for both sides if they want to ensure a top four finish.

Reds Need a Win at Anfield

Not since 2017 had Liverpool lost a home Premier League game. The stats written about their home form were truly frightening. Then they lost to Burnley and unbelievably the next three in the top flight have also been lost. Liverpool come into this game without a win in their last six home Premier League games. Even worse, even more painful is the fact their last home loss was to Everton.

Any chance of retaining their Premier League title have long gone. A win for Manchester City on Tuesday evening will take them 22 points clear of Liverpool. That's despite the fact the defending champions were top earlier in the season. A form guide for the last 15 league games reveals all. City have earned 43 and Liverpool only 18. A more immediate worry is the fact that over the last five league games, Liverpool are 18th with just three points.

Those points came in Sunday's 2-0 win at Sheffield United and they need to build some momentum if they want to finish in the top four. Liverpool start this game just two points behind West Ham United who currently hold fourth place. A win for either side in this game will take them into fourth, though the Hammers will have a game in hand. It migt not be West Ham in fourth spot by the time this game begins. A win for Everton at West Brom will take them into fourth, but able to be overtaken if this game has a positive result.

There have been some signs of a Liverpool recovery. They have won two of their last three games with a 2-0 win at RB Leipzig in the Champions League. But still they lost at home to Everton and somehow their home form has to be rediscovered. It'll be a sad occasion with tributes paid to the late Ian St. John. Perhaps they can get a win in memory of him.

Chelsea still Unbeaten under Tuchel

Chelsea are also doing well in their Champions League last sixteen tie. Last week saw them win against Atletico Madrid but there's still work to be done to be in next season's competition. They go into this game at Anfield on an unbeaten run of ten league and cup games. In the Premier League, the Blues are unbeaten in the last seven and start this game just a place and point behind West Ham United in fourth.

Their last two league games have both been drawn with a 1-1 stalemate at Southampton followed by a home goalless draw with Manchester United. The days of high scoring Chelsea games seem to be over. Their last nine league and cup fixtures have all had under 2.5 goals scored in them. In the Premier League, all but one of the last nine have seen that stat come up.

Chelsea have scored six goals in their last five Premier League games. Of those goals, three came from the penalty spot. Each of their last three away Premier League games have seen a penalty scored by the Blues. Can they get one at Anfield though? Mason Mount is in top form at present with three goals in his last four away league matches. The poor away form in December that saw them lose three consecutive away Premier League games has improved. They have 10 points from their last five on the road with only a loss at Leicester City. 

A win at Anfield takes them fourth and sets up another Merseyside battle at the weekend when they host Everton. Will they be fourth by then? A draw looks the likely result in this game.