Having already won at Stamford Bridge this season, Liverpool return to London with different priorities. A sluggish start since their return from the winter break has seen the club struggle to get going in each of their games. With a UEFA Champions League clash with Atletico Madrid on the horizon, Liverpool might take the chance to rest and relax their squad a little. For Chelsea, though, 2020 has been a nightmare. Leathered 3-0 by FC Bayern at home to add to an already poor home record, and the Blues need a lift at home. Can they find one against the European champions?

Chelsea news

Chelsea are facing a bit of an injury build-up to a squad that shouldn’t be thin, but somehow is. Despite ample resources, the (likely) loss of Tammy Abraham, Christian Pulisic, Callum Hudson-Odoi, and N’Golo Kante are all tough hits. However, despite the first three being touch and go, the last one is almost certainly the most painful one.

Liverpool are excellent at ball retention these days, and Chelsea could struggle without N’Kante offering enough dynamism to keep Liverpool hurried.

Liverpool news

Expect some rotation – a fair amount, in fact. The only thing that might limit rotation are injuries. The likely loss of James Milner and Xherdan Shaqiri is a blow to two players who really should be playing in matches like this. The continued absence of Jordan Henderson, who so often thrives against Chelsea, could be a major hit, too.

However, we could see some of the young talent from previous rounds – especially Curtis Jones and Neco Williams – be given a chance. Klopp has given young players a chance at the deep end before and could choose to do so again here.

Verdict

Liverpool to progress. Chelsea could do with progression more, given their poor form. However, their Stamford Bridge form is hard to back in any kind of positive sense. We could see a good game, though; Klopp often plays rotational sides in the cup, which can often bring a fair amount of goals.

A trip down memory lane to Leicester’s memorable Premier League win and some of those who had enough faith to bet (and profit!) on the outcome!

Frankfurt-born star Emre Can is, without doubt, one of the most interesting players in the Premier League. With a unique combination of raw power and intensive tactical awareness, only injuries and contract uncertainty has stopped Can from establishing himself among the very best in the league. Still in his early 20s, though, the Liverpool man has all the time in the world to find that extra verve and consistency in both fitness and form.

With a level of power when moving with the ball that can make him resemble a locomotive, Can has long been a player of immense repute due to his physicality. Linked regularly to making a return to Germany with Bayern or to head to Turin and play for Juventus, he’s a player lauded for tactical acumen and a rich understanding of the game in front of him.

Over the years at Anfield, he’s gone through extensive ups and down, often caused by managerial misuse under Brendan Rodgers or injury latterly under Jürgen Klopp. However, the big German has often laid the foundations for his uniquely balanced skill-set to thrive, having long been a player who can break down defences with long range shooting, or impose himself on big games.

His ability to read the ball and play in several midfield roles makes him the kind of player that any modern manager would love to work with. Limitless stamina, endless capacity to improve and a never-say-die attitude has helped Can maintain his position as one of the most interesting young midfield talents in the Premier League at present.

Although he may yet move on come the summer of 2018 when his contract expires, it’s safe to say that for the last three seasons Can has regularly been an impressive performer at European level.

While the name of Nigerian midfield star Wilfried Ndidi may not be widely known, it will be in time. Seen as a key cog in the Leicester midfield already at the age of 21, the languid midfield controller has quickly established himself as one of the most interesting players in the division to watch.

With a fine blend of athleticism, tactical awareness and technical expertise, Ndidi has shown up as among the best players in the Leicester side under Claude Puel. Already, rumours are circulating that his stay in the Midlands will be cut short, with a move to one of the Premier League leading lights now on the agenda.

While not a regular goal scorer, his tactical expertise and his ability to win aerial duels and ground tackles makes him an excellent performer for counter-attacking sides. Although passing performance could improve, he’s by far young enough to improve even further technically.

Having moved to Leicester for £17m from Belgian outfit Genk following impressive European performances and a stunning brace against Belgian giants Anderlecht, Ndidi has quickly become one of the most competent and consistent performers in the Premier League on a regular basis.

Indeed, his battling performances at home to the likes of Liverpool have helped him to settle into the Premier League and catch the eye of many interested parties. While goals may never be a regular part of his game, his consistency and mental awareness of the full picture developing across the pitch more than makes up for a lack of goals.

Still so young, too, the sky is the limit for one of the most interesting performers in the Premier League. He looks set to burst onto the scene and stay there for a long time to come, such is his potential at this level.