Liverpool
host Chelsea at Anfield on Wednesday night looking to put European
qualification for next season in their own hands.
Jurgen Klopp's side are currently eighth in the table, two points behind
Southampton - but with a game in hand on the Saints - and a point behind
West Ham United.
With the top seven in the Premier League likely to qualify for Europe next
season, the Reds know a midweek win over Chelsea will almost certainly put
entry into the Europa League in their own hands.
"I'm not too interested in when Chelsea can next win the title and I have no
idea when we can but I promise we will try everything to build on the base
of this season," said Klopp, who is preparing for his 50th match in charge
of the club.
"We can get sixth position, it isn't the biggest success in the history of
Liverpool, but everyone interested in Liverpool can see the good signs and
we will build on it.
"We have to improve and I am sure we will. A lot of things need to be
perfect for a really good season."
The Blues, meanwhile, travel to Merseyside with nothing but pride to play
for after a disappointing defence of the title they won last season.
And interim head coach Guus Hiddink knows just what a tough challenge his
players will face on Wednesday, especially given Liverpool's transformation
since Klopp replaced Brendan Rodgers at the club in October.
"They made a good (managerial) change," said the Dutchman. "It is club with
a huge history and it is an energetic team Klopp has formed. They can be
very resilient," Hiddink said.
"They have a good skilful team but are also mentally tough and it is nice to
see."
Team news
Liverpool are likely to restore most of their first-choice players after
resting eight in the 2-0 home win against Watford on Sunday.
Three of the back four will return in Nathaniel Clyne, Dejan Lovren and Kolo
Toure - Alberto Moreno played against the Hornets - with Emre Can and James
Milner set to start in midfield.
Striker Daniel Sturridge is set to get a run-out up front after being an
unused substitute at the weekend, while Adam Lallana, who was not even in
the squad against Watford, is also expected to be recalled, and left-back
Brad Smith is back in the squad after suspension.
As for the visitors, captain John Terry begins a two-match suspension on
Wednesday. Thibaut Courtois returned from a ban in goal in the 3-2 loss at
Sunderland, when Terry was sent off for the second time this season to incur
the season-ending suspension.
Strikers Loic Remy (groin) and Diego Costa are injured, Pedro also misses
out with a broken nose, while defender Kurt Zouma (knee) is a long-term
absentee.
Opta stats
Victory over Chelsea at Stamford Bridge earlier this season ended a run of
six Premier League games without a win against the Blues for the Reds (D3
L3).
Liverpool have failed to keep a clean sheet in their last nine Premier
League games against Chelsea and conceded two goals in each of the last
three meetings at Anfield.
The first goal of the game has been scored in the opening 10 minutes in four
of the last five league meetings between Liverpool and Chelsea.
If Liverpool win it will be the 27th home win in this fixture in the Premier
League (currently 13 each) - no Premier League fixture has had more
(Liverpool v Newcastle also 27).
Chelsea have conceded 50+ goals in a Premier League season (51) for the
first time since 1996/97 when they conceded a joint-club-record 55 in the
competition (also in 1994/95).
Paul Merson's prediction
Chelsea looked as though they were going to spoil the party at Sunderland,
but they are not playing with the same intensity and twice gave up the lead.
Some of the squad will have an eye on the Euros and I fancy Liverpool, who
keep going from strength to strength, to get the victory.
PAUL PREDICTS: 2-1 (Sky Bet odds 15/2)
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