The 3 key battles as Liverpool host Chelsea in the Premier League

David Luiz vs Philippe Coutinho

Philippe Coutinho’s return from injury has been the only bright spark in a so far disappointing 2017 for Liverpool, and they’ll look to their playmaker against leaders Chelsea on Tuesday.

The Brazilian international scored five goals and assisted five others in 13 Premier League appearances prior to injuring his ankle in the 2-0 win over Sunderland back in November and, although he’s yet to add to that tally since returning, it’s clear that he’s beginning to get back to match fitness.

It’s only a matter of time before a quality player like Coutinho returns to those high standards, and it could be against Chelsea on Tuesday where he hits those heights, so it’ll be up to centre-back David Luiz to keep his compatriot quiet at Anfield.

The 29-year-old has been absolutely superb since returning to Stamford Bridge last summer, and his displays at the back have propelled him from an ill-disciplined centre-half to a reliable one.

And he’ll have to keep his discipline again on Tuesday, as Coutinho is likely to drift into wide positions and switch with Roberto Firmino and Adam Lallana in the front three in a bid to stretch the back three and create openings.

However, it’ll be up to Luiz to keep the defensive shape rigid and difficult for Liverpool, who have struggled in recent weeks with their forward play, so not giving Coutinho space and time will be crucial for the league leaders on Tuesday.