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Liverpool vs Chelsea: 5 things to look for in the blockbuster match

By Subhrajit Chowdhury

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - MARCH 04: Sadio Mane of Liverpool is challenged by Antonio Ruediger of Chelsea during the Premier League match between Liverpool and Chelsea at Anfield on March 04, 2021 in Liverpool, England. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Phil Noble - Pool/Getty Images)
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - MARCH 04: Sadio Mane of Liverpool is challenged by Antonio Ruediger of Chelsea during the Premier League match between Liverpool and Chelsea at Anfield on March 04, 2021 in Liverpool, England. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Phil Noble - Pool/Getty Images) /
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LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – MARCH 04: Mason Mount of Chelsea celebrates with teammate Reece James after scoring his team’s first goal during the Premier League match between Liverpool and Chelsea at Anfield on March 04, 2021 in Liverpool, England. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Phil Noble – Pool/Getty Images)
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – MARCH 04: Mason Mount of Chelsea celebrates with teammate Reece James after scoring his team’s first goal during the Premier League match between Liverpool and Chelsea at Anfield on March 04, 2021 in Liverpool, England. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Phil Noble – Pool/Getty Images) /

3) Chelsea’s starting XI

One of the things that Chelsea will struggle with this season is the huge squad depth. The Blues have a massive squad full of star players and their second team is better than most other club’s first team. Amazing players like Ben Chilwell, N’Golo Kante, Hakim Ziyech, Christian Pulisic and Thiago Silva have already been benched this season and may find themselves on the bench once again in the near future.

The current line-up has been providing some great results and it wouldn’t make sense to rotate players too much. However, Tuchel is always thinking two steps ahead of the opposition and he could even start two strikers up front if he wants to. The possibilities are endless and Tuchel is a mad scientist trying to perfect the formula to winning every single game. Right now, there are too many talented players on the bench and the German may choose to start any of them. It will be interesting to see how he decides to line up his first team against Liverpool.

2) Super Reece

The Blues had a fantastic game against their arch-rivals last weekend and the whole team performed brilliantly. However, there were two players who stood out the most, Lukaku and Reece James. While the former only managed to score one goal, the latter scored a goal and even racked up one assist.

James was simply on a different level last weekend. He played like a proper wingback, constantly supporting the attack, and he exploited the space left by Kieran Tierney time and time again. His communication with his new teammate was great and his chemistry with his childhood friend, Mount, helped him get on the scoresheet. He was hard-working and physical throughout the game and even tracked back to cover his man as much as he could. James put on a great performance in the UCL final against Manchester City and his defensive work kept Raheem Sterling quiet all night. However, his performance against the north London side was even better, and spectators can’t wait to see him tear up the right flank against Liverpool.

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