Expected Liverpool XI vs Chelsea as Jurgen Klopp works around injuries

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp is set to name another makeshift defence as Chelsea look to continue their unbeaten run of form under new boss Thomas Tuchel.

Following seven games without defeat in the Premier League, Chelsea sit one point above tonight’s opponents in the table and another point behind fourth placed West Ham.

Klopp has admitted that his side are now facing a battle to finish inside the top four, and a win would give them a much-needed advantage as they approach the final 10 games of the season.

Although, Liverpool ended a run of four consecutive defeats with three points against Sheffield United on Sunday, tonight’s opponents are set to prove a stern test.

With Alisson set to return in goal after missing the recent win following the passing of his father, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andy Robertson are set to start on the flanks.

With Nat Phillips and Ozan Kabak in the middle, Gini Wijnaldum and Thiago could play either side of the returning Fabinho in midfield.

That leaves the usual front three of Sadio Mane, Roberto Firmino and Mohamed Salah, with the Egyptian looking to add to his 17 goals so far this Premier League season.

The returning Fabinho and Diogo Jota on the bench leaves Jordan Henderson, Virgil van Dijk, Joe Gomez and Joel Matip on the sidelines.

Klopp said: “If we can find a way to bring Fab back in midfield that would be in some games quite helpful.

“The most consistent player probably this season is Gini Wijnaldum. He played the six, all the positions, but Fab in at six in some games would be absolutely helpful.

“In the past we had to bring players in almost immediately because another player left the pitch injured the game before and now we don’t have to do that for the first time.

“Is Fab ready to start or is he only ready for the bench? Then which position? These decisions are still to make.

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    • “Stability (in defence) would be great but we changed it that often, maybe we made a habit of it.

    “I heard there were people were quite critical of both of them (Kabak and Phillips) which is really picky to be honest.”

    Liverpool predicted lineup: Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Phillips, Kabak, Robertson; Wijnaldum, Fabinho, Thiago; Mane, Firmino, Salah.

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