English Premier League: With top four at stake – Liverpool travel to Chelsea

After progressing to the Champions League final, Liverpool visit Stamford Bridge with the mission of cementing their place in the top four.

It has been a good week for Liverpool. Despite losing 4-2, the Reds were able to reach the Champions League final after 11 years, a remarkable achievement considering it is Jurgen Klopp’s second full season at Merseyside.

Because of the size of the achievement, it may be difficult to focus on anything else but the final that will be played on May 26. However, there is a top-four place to play for, and everything can be decided on Sunday when Chelsea host Liverpool at Stamford Bridge.

With a six-point cushion on their rivals, a win would mean that Liverpool will guarantee their place in next season’s Champions League with a top four finish, while Chelsea must ensure to win if they want to have a chance of entering into the Champions League spots. With a game in hand, Chelsea still have nine points to play for in the Premier League and a win on Sunday would be huge for their aspirations of being together with Europe’s royalty.

The tie will see Mohamed Salah returning to his old home, while Jurgen Klopp will try to get a third consecutive win at Stamford Bridge.

Liverpool’s manager emphasised how important this game will be, saying that it is like a ‘final’ for him and his side. Klopp also stated that, despite having a more important fixture to play, the focus on the Premier League will not reduce with so much still left to play for.

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Antonio Conte, on the other hand, is desperate for a result against Liverpool and keep their momentum going, with Chelsea currently on a three game winning-streak. Attention to detail will be hugely important if Chelsea want to get anything from this match, with Conte highlighting the explosiveness of Salah, Mané and Firmino, together with the opportunities they can create in behind.

As mentioned before, Liverpool’s progress into the Champions League finals could play a huge role on how this game sets up. Chelsea had a full week of rest and have their focus entirely on the Premier League now, something they could really take benefit.

Liverpool come off the back of two draws in the Premier League, both against sides that are fighting for their lives in the Premier League. The motivation is there for Liverpool to go on and win the game. How Mané, Salah and Firmino play, will be huge to the final outcome of the match and whether Liverpool can confirm their place in the Champions League next season.

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The Reds will be without Adam Lallana, that despite being back to full training, will not be ready for the game on Sunday. Other absentees include Emre Can, Joel Matip, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Joe Gomez. We should expect a mixed line-up for Liverpool, with Nathaniel Clyne potentially starting.

For Chelsea, David Luiz and Ethan Ampadu are out, with both sustaining long-term injuries. Chelsea will have a boost with Marcos Alonso coming back after a three game suspension. We should see Bakayoko starting, together with Olivier Giroud, in a mission to exploit Liverpool’s defensive fragilities.