Two of England’s big six clubs, Liverpool and Chelsea face off at Anfield in the Premier League 2022-23 on Saturday, January 21. The match will start at 6:00 PM Indian Standard Time (IST).
Both clubs have failed to live up to the expectations so far this season. With eight wins and four draws in the EPL, Liverpool currently occupy the ninth spot, while Chelsea are 10th in the Premier League points table.
The Premier League 2019-20 champions Liverpool have endured a poor start to 2023. The Reds lost 3-1 to Brentford, followed by a damaging 3-0 defeat against Brighton in their last two league matches.
Despite signing Cody Gakpo, one of the top goal-scorers in the FIFA World Cup 2022, Jurgen Klopp’s team have struggled to consistently find the back of the net off late. However, Liverpool recently won 1-0 against Wolves in the FA Cup.
Meanwhile, Chelsea completed the signing of Mykhaylo Mudryk, one of Premier League’s most expensive transfers, to boost their attacking prowess. The Blues secured a 1-0 victory against Crystal Palace in their latest league match, their first win of the calendar year. But poor defensive performances against Manchester City and Fulham at the beginning of this month remains a worry for Graham Potter and Co.
All three points in the upcoming match could help Liverpool or Chelsea stay in touch with the European positions in the Premier League 2022-23 points table.
LIV vs CHE Dream 11 prediction
Liverpool stand in good stead in this head-to-head as the Reds are unbeaten in their last four matches against Chelsea. Meanwhile, with 23 wins compared to the Blues’ 21, Liverpool also have a slight advantage in the Premier League record between the two clubs.
While Liverpool have the better goal-scoring average of 1.89, Chelsea have the better defence, conceding 1.11 per match in the Premier League this season. It is expected to be a close encounter between the two rivals.
LIV vs CHE Dream11 team tips for Premier League 2022-23
Top tip: Best forward - Mohammed Salah
Liverpool striker Mohammed Salah will be a top pick in the upcoming LIV vs CHE match. The Egyptian football player has registered seven goals and two assists in 19 matches against Chelsea. He scored a goal in both league matches between the clubs in the 2021-22 season.
While Salah is not in his usual Golden Boot-winning form, he is Liverpool’s joint-top scorer in the Premier League this season with seven goals. Cody Gakpo and Mykhaylo Mudryk are also notable attacking options.
Top tip: Best midfielder - Jorginho
Chelsea’s midfield maestro Jorginho will be a player to watch out for in midfield. The 31-year-old Italian is a regular penalty-taker for the Blues, increasing his potential for a sizable points return. He previously scored a goal against Liverpool in the 2019 UEFA Super Cup.
Liverpool’s Fabinho and Thiago Alcantara are also good midfield choices for fantasy teams.
Top tip: Best defender - Andrew Robertson
Liverpool’s flying full-back Andrew Robertson has provided the most assists by a defender in the Premier League. With five assists from 16 matches in the ongoing campaign, the 28-year-old Scotsman is in good stead to be the top defensive pick in this match. Robertson has made three assists in previous encounters versus Chelsea.
Trent Alexander-Arnold has registered two assists in his last two matches for Liverpool. He can form a formidable defensive pairing alongside Robertson in fantasy teams.
Top tip: Best goalkeeper - Kepa Arrizabalaga
Goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga has been one of Chelsea’s most consistent players in the 2022-23 EPL season. He averages 3.5 saves per game, with an 81 per cent shot-to-save ratio, and has kept five clean sheets this season. The Spanish goalkeeper made a match-defining save against Crystal Palace in the closing moments of Chelsea’s previous league match.
Liverpool’s Alisson Becker, meanwhile, has kept four clean sheets this season, but a 72 per cent shot-to-save ratio takes him below Arrizabalaga in the pecking order.
Photo credits: Alamy
