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The Nairobian

Liverpool eye for Premier League title as Chelsea look to defend top four spot

Premier League

By Clinton Nyabuto | Apr 14, 2019

**Liverpool host Chelsea at Anfield on Sunday, April 14, 2019 [Courtesy]**

The English Premier League continues to stir up as Liverpool host Chelsea in a tightly-contested encounter on Sunday evening at the Anfield in what will be termed as a title determiner for Jurgen Klopp's side.

The Reds welcome the Blues with immense pressure as they hope to clamp their top spot in the Premier League as they chase their first English Premier League title since 1990.

Liverpool, who are on a 15-match unbeaten run, hold a two-point lead on the log over second-placed Manchester City who have a game in hand.

On the other hand, Chelsea slumped to the fourth spot from third on the Premier League table after Tottenham won their match against relegated Huddersfield on Saturday.

Team news

Jurgen Klopp’s side have no new injuries with Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain still nursing his thigh injury. Englishman Adam Lallana will also miss the action due to a muscle injury.

Left-back Andrew Robertson missed the midweek Champions clash against FC Porto due to suspension and he’s expected to be back in the squad.

**Liverpool striker Roberto Firmino could be a threat in the tie with the Brazilian netting in the first half of Liverpool’s last three competitive home games [Courtesy]**

On the other side, Maurizio Sarri has nothing to burden him in the injury list as youngster Ethan Ampadu is the only missing player as he nurses a back injury.

Key stats

The Reds are relishing a fine form as they are on run of six competitive wins four of which they have won on a margin of exactly two goals.

Klopp’s side have won their last three Premier League home games with Maurizio Sarri’s side without a single point or goal this year from PL matches away to any team currently above the relegation zone.

Liverpool are unbeaten in their last 37 Premier League games at Anfield but haven’t won any of their last six Premier League games at Anfield against Chelsea (D4 L2).

Chelsea have only lost twice in their last 16 meetings with Liverpool in all competitions winning in six games and drawing eight. The two defeats came at Stamford Bridge with the Blues’ last defeat at Anfield dating back to May 2012 in the Premier League where they were thrashed 1-4.

Players to watch

Liverpool striker Roberto Firmino could be a threat in the tie with the Brazilian netting in the first half of Liverpool’s last three competitive home games.

**Chelsea's Eden Hazard scored the match-winner at Anfield in the Carabao Cup tie last September [Courtesy]**

Egyptian assassin Mohammed Salah could besides prove his goal scoring masterly as he returned to scoring ways after a nine-match goal drought netting a spectacular goal against Southampton.

Chelsea’s talisman Eden hazard could similarly be unruly to Liverpool’s defence as the Belgian netted the Carabao Cup match-winner at Anfield back in September and also scored a brace in their last EPL clash against West Ham at the Stamford Bridge.

Predicted lineups

Liverpool - Goalkeeper: Alisson; Defenders: Alexander-Arnold, Matip, van Dijk, Robertson; Midfielders: Henderson, Fabinho, Keita; Attackers: Salah, Firmino, Mane

Chelsea - Goalkeeper: Kepa Arrizabalaga; Defenders: Azpilicueta, Rudiger, Luiz, Alonso; Midfielders: Kante, Jorginho, Loftus-Cheek; Attackers: Hudson-Odoi, Giroud, Hazard

Match Prediction

With Liverpool thirsty for lifting the first EPL title in 29 years and Chelsea keen not to drop their top four spot on the log, it’s expected to be a thrilling match that could finish level.