Chelsea travel to Liverpool on Sunday with a chance to pick up crucial points in the Premier League‘s top four race – as well as having a huge influence in the destination of this season’s title, as they could derail their rivals’ trophy hopes.
Manager Maurizio Sarri will be looking to keep Liverpool’s famous counter-attack at bay while maximising his side’s attacking prowess in this pivotal game.
Here’s a look at the tactics that could help the Italian achieve that goal. Check out our tactical preview of Liverpool’s gameplan as well.
KANTE’S ENERGY WILL PROVIDE DEFENSIVE COVER
Chelsea have faced plenty of difficulty this season against exactly the sort of tactics Liverpool will employ: high-pressing, counter-attacking teams have prospered by soaking up the pressure of the Blues’ possession before striking quickly when the opportunity arises.
Sarri won’t change his fundamental system in a game of this magnitude, but within the 4-3-3, possession-heavy set-up, there are tweaks he can make to have Chelsea prepared for Liverpool’s counter-attack.
N’Golo Kante’s ability to cover ground and mop up defensively will be crucial. Though he plays on the right of Sarri’s three-man midfield, expect him to provide cover against Mohamed Salah down Chelsea’s left whenever he’s needed – and of course, he’ll have his hands full with Sadio Mane as well.
Kante is used to putting in match-winning performances in big games – this could be another.
MATCH HAZARD UP AGAINST ALEXANDER-ARNOLD
Allowing Eden Hazard the freedom to roam within Chelsea’s system has been the strategy that’s brought both the player and the team success when executed well this season. Though there’s no reason for Sarri to change that, perhaps both he and Hazard will spot an opportunity in this particular game.
Trent Alexander-Arnold has had an excellent season, but he also hasn’t had to face a player of Hazard’s quality too often. And there have been times in the past where his defensive ability has come under scrutiny in match-ups like this.
Though Hazard loves to drift all across the pitch, looking to isolate himself against the Liverpool right-back might give him the best chance to prosper in this game. Liverpool will clog up the middle in order to reduce his effectiveness. Stretching them by targeting Alexander-Arnold would be the best way to counter.
