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Remember 2016? That was good times, wasn't it. Liverpool kicked the season off at a rattling pace, overcoming the challenge of a presumably difficult start that saw them travel to Arsenal, Tottenham and Chelsea in the first five games, and by week 11, they were top of the table. A regression to a still impressive mean saw them overtaken by the otherworldly run of Antonie Conté's Chelsea, but they remained a potent attacking force towards the end of the year, sitting solidly second in league while maintaining their top goal scorers rank.
Fast forward to 2017, and the Reds have only won a single game in eight attempts, falling to presumed lesser opposition on four occasions. And here come league leaders Chelsea, ready to pile on the misery. Since falling to Arsenal in late September, the Blues have won 16 of their last 17 in the league, conceding only six goals in the process. Up by eight points, and ten ahead of Tuesday's opponents, Chelsea have no injuries, no suspensions, and are on an historic run of form.
For Liverpool:
Alexander-Arnold, Matip, Lovren, Milner
Lallana, Henderson, Can
Sturridge, Firmino, Coutinho
Nathaniel Clyne's injury is apparently serious enough that Trent Alexander-Arnold was rested for Saturday's clash with Wolverhampton, and the youngster must be expected to start on Tuesday, facing off with Eden Hazard. Big changes must be expected after the uninspiring loss to the Wolves, with injuries and fatigue making most of the decisions for the manager. Three quarters of Jürgen Klopp's first choice back line returns, however, as Joël Matip, Dejan Lovren and James Milner are all rested and ready.
Adam Lallana, Jordan Henderson and Emre Can are likely to start in midfield, as Georginio Wijnaldum played 90 minutes mere days ago, while lack of depth up front means a probable start for Daniel Sturridge. Sadio Mané is being flown back in order to be match ready for the game, but having played 300 minutes in 12 days' time and coming off a ten-hour flight, the Senegalese winger seems a long shot for the starting eleven.
Kickoff is set for 8PM GMT/3PM EST Tuesday on BT Sport 1 in the UK and NBCSN in the US. You can find full listings at LivesoccerTV.
We'll be keeping you updated with all the buildup to the game, including team news as it's released, our live matchday thread and post-match recaps from The Liverpool Offside staff. If you want to join the discussion, sign up for an SB Nation account to have your say on all the action as it happens.