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

Joel Matip vs Diego Costa

Liverpool have been very suspect at the back for much of this Premier League season, but it’s been none more so evident than in recent weeks.

Klopp’s men shipped three against a blunt Swansea side last time out that, prior to the 3-2 win at Anfield, had scored just 23 times in the league, before conceding twice against Championship side Wolves last weekend, albeit he didn’t play his strongest side.

Nonetheless, they recent struggles have epitomised their defensive concerns this term, yet the returning Joel Matip will give them a huge boost on Tuesday, especially as he’ll come up against one of the Premier League’s top-scorers in Diego Costa.

The Spanish striker has scored 15 goals in just 20 Premier League starts for Chelsea, and returned to the side in the win over Hull to great effect, netting the opener and producing a committed display against the Tigers to end any speculation surrounding a possible exit from Stamford Bridge.

However, Liverpool’s Matip has been excellent since arriving at the club in the summer, and there’s no surprise that they’ve struggled in his absence over the last few weeks.

Matip will have to be at his best to thwart and frustrate Costa, but if he can manage to do that, then the Reds will fancy their chances of victory on Tuesday night.