Liverpool v Chelsea: Team news
James Milner is in training ahead of Liverpool's Premier League clash with Chelsea as the vice-captain aims to feature for the first time since July 8.
The midfielder has recently been sidelined with a minor muscle issue but joined in with his teammates at Melwood in the build-up to the Reds’ final Anfield fixture of 2019-20.
Jürgen Klopp, who did not reveal any fresh injury concerns during his pre-match press conference, spoke last week of his anticipation that Milner could be available against the Blues.
“Millie is in contention, or is pretty safe for the Chelsea game,” said the boss. “It will be fine for Chelsea, I am pretty sure.”
Jordan Henderson (knee) and Joel Matip (foot) are not expected to play again this term, though the captain will lead the Premier League trophy presentation on the Kop after full-time on Wednesday night.
In his analysis of Liverpool’s fourth encounter with Chelsea this season, Klopp explained why the thought of the trophy lift to follow the game is a challenge his players must overcome.
“It’s not the easiest game I ever prepared with a team, to be honest, because there are two things tomorrow night,” he told reporters.
“Usually I don’t have to think about something else apart from the football game, which helps me a lot because I can really be focused.
“I will try that and I know the boys will try that as well. In the end, we only can win when we are at 100 per cent and we will see if that’s possible tomorrow night.
“We have to go for something as well, it’s not that we only are there and wait until the party starts. We have to save a record, a home record, stuff like this [so] for us as well there are some targets.
“Again, we have to see, how we do always, how we deal with it. I’m very positive that these boys will put a proper performance out there on the pitch but if it’s enough, we have to show tomorrow night.”
For the visitors, meanwhile, Billy Gilmour (knee) and N’Golo Kante (hamstring) are out of action.
Frank Lampard’s side are pursuing a top-four finish and arrive at Anfield looking to build upon Sunday’s FA Cup semi-final win over Manchester United.
“We have to understand where we’re at. We have to replicate the mentality, quality and work ethic that we produced against Manchester United more,” said the Blues boss in his pre-match press conference. “We’ve shown it in parts but that will come with work, I strongly believe.
“Considering we’re coming towards the end of the season, it’s very clear what the objective is. The pressure remains the same.”
Last match
Arsenal 2-1 Liverpool (July 15): Alisson, Alexander-Arnold, Gomez, Van Dijk, Robertson, Fabinho, Wijnaldum, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Mane, Salah, Firmino.
Manchester United 1-3 Chelsea (July 19): Caballero, Azpilicueta, Zouma, Rudiger, Jorginho, Kovacic, Alonso, James, Mount, Willian, Giroud.
