Liverpool face Chelsea on Sunday in a game that could define this season’s Premier League title race as they remain locked in a neck-and-neck battle with Man City.
Chelsea are the toughest opponent Jurgen Klopp’s side have to face in their title run-in.
Here’s a look at the tactics Klopp could use in this pivotal clash. Check out our analysis of Chelsea’s tactics here.
FABINHO TO MAN-MARK HAZARD
Fabinho’s greatest asset is the way he can control the game in midfield, with his passing and vision. But in a game where Liverpool are likely to have less possession, the Brazilian may have a different role on Sunday.
Someone who has been trusted at centre-back and fullback earlier in his career can be relied upon for his defensive ability. Perhaps Klopp could ask Fabinho to put those skills to use against Eden Hazard?
Hazard has struggled to shrug off the attentions of a man-marker before, most famously on two separate occasions against Manchester United, so Klopp would know it’s a strategy that works.
Stopping Hazard is the key to stopping Chelsea given the Belgian’s current form. It would be a tough task for Fabinho, but potentially, a match-winning one.
LIVERPOOL PRESS COULD KNOCK JORGINHO OFF HIS STRIDE
The other key to knocking Chelsea off their stride is to limit the influence of midfielder Jorginho. Plenty of teams this season have prevented the Blues from being at their best by paying close attention to the Italian as he tries to dictate the course of the game.
Roberto Firmino usually leads the Liverpool press with aplomb, and when he isn’t haranguing Chelsea’s defenders he’ll no doubt be looking to put Jorginho under pressure. With some help from Liverpool’s midfielders – Jordan Henderson’s advanced role will bring him in close proximity to his Chelsea counterpart – Firmino could help stop the Blues’ attacks at source.
Between that, and paying close attention to Hazard, Liverpool could have a winning formula defensively – while their attackers run riot when they get the chance.
