Liverpool and Chelsea go head-to-head in crucial ‘six-pointer’ match at Anfield: Can the Reds secure a victory and take a step towards securing a Champions League spot?
This weekend, Liverpool and Chelsea will face off in a crucial match at Anfield, with both teams looking to come out on top in what is being dubbed as a “six-pointer” game. With both teams currently lying in mid-table and well below where they should be, the pressure is on for both sides to secure a victory. However, the pressure is greater for Liverpool as the home team, with many fans and analysts expecting them to take advantage of the match.
The Reds are coming off of a much-needed reset of sorts against Wolves midweek, and will be looking to ensure that the performance there was not a one-off. While it might be too strong a phrase to say that Liverpool is currently in a “crisis,” the fact that Chelsea is spending large sums of money to get themselves out of their predicament suggests that they are making major changes in an effort to rectify something.
Despite Chelsea’s current position in 10th place, they cannot be ruled out of a top-four push just yet, making this match all the more important for both teams. With Manchester United having dropped points at Crystal Palace and facing Arsenal next, and Newcastle United heading to Selhurst Park in a tricky-looking Saturday evening game, a win for Liverpool would put them in a good position again.
It’s still congested in the top half of the table, and that’s what makes the games with those around you the ones that will determine the outcome of the Champions League spots. Liverpool has already won both of the two sides they have faced to date, and a win against Chelsea would be a step towards securing a Champions League spot.
Jürgen Klopp will be looking to improve his team’s performance and make the necessary changes to get them back on track. The return of Darwin Núñez (he’s on the bench) could be the key to a far more effective Liverpool, as his presence alone should be enough to swing the expected goals (xG) in their favor, allowing Klopp to keep things tight without completely sacrificing his attack.
The days of low-scoring Rafael Benítez wins are probably not exactly on the horizon, but with Núñez’s return, Klopp and his team may be halfway to the solution to their current issues. Combining the Wolves formula with the return of Núñez could be the key to a more successful Liverpool, hopefully starting with a win against Chelsea this weekend.
