The epic rivalry between Liverpool and Chelsea is set to take a new twist in more ways than the nationality of their managers.
As the Premier League Champions find themselves in a tight race for the top four, they battle it out with Chelsea for one of the final automatic Champions League spots. On Thursday night, the teams will be presided over by two Germans for the first time ever.
Thomas Tuchel succeeded Jürgen Klopp at Mainz and Borussia Dortmund and has lost to his counterpart more times than anyone else in his career (nine), winning twice. Their English journey opens up a new chapter in their relationship.
The Liverpool boss will be wary of their four-game losing streak at Anfield, indeed, knowing first-hand the threat of Tuchel’s teams having praised his methods previously. Chelsea are 3.13 to win.
Start of a new rivalry?
Klopp and Tuchel’s playing styles are as similar as they are different, as Tuchel’s gegenpressing ethos are steeped in control of possession rather than Klopp’s counter-attacking.
The Chelsea boss will be keen to extend their gap over Liverpool to four for an immediate boost in their top four chances.
The Bavarian is unbeaten in nine games in the Blues’ dugout having only conceded twice and will be incredibly tough to break down for the Champions who are yet to score at home from open play in 2021. The game is 3.74 to finish with Under 1.5 goals
It will be a fascinating battle of energetic pressing between these two.
Chelsea are defensively-organized under Tuchel but have lacked killer instinct in the final third. The attackers need to be more clinical with Tuchel’s 3-4-1-2 system bringing a certain control of games without scoring many.
Tuchel’s Chelsea have already played Tottenham, Atlético Madrid and Man United winning two and keeping three clean sheets. It couldn’t end in another Premier League big-game draw, could it? (A draw is booked 3.47).
Clinical Touch
Timo Werner was rested for 78 minutes against Man United and will be charged with bringing some of the sharpness back to Chelsea’s frontline. He has spoken about wanting to get into double figures in the Premier League and a goal at Anfield would be a huge boost. Werner to score against Liverpool at 3.67
Is this a joke? If Kabak gets caught like this against Werner then we are in trouble Thursday 😂
— Russ Varnam (@RussVarnam) February 28, 2021
Chelsea’s need to run in-behind Liverpool’s 18th different centre-back pairing this season may prompt a return for Tammy Abraham, who notably dovetails well with Werner. The 23-year-old’s work-rate and link up play outside the box would be needed on the counter.
Thomas Tuchel would be desperate for the maximum points against a direct rival and for the context of his blooming Chelsea career. A win at Anfield is otherwise rare, and his team must be ruthless to continue their German’s undefeated streak.
