Former Liverpool and Chelsea midfielder Joe Cole believes Jurgen Klopp will class the league clash against the Blues on Wednesday night as “more important” to win than the Carabao Cup final.
The clubs play two games in two separate competitions over the next month but Cole believes the Reds will prioritise the Anfield fixture as the result will have big implications for their title challenge:
“The league game’s a lot more important for Liverpool. Chelsea are in a transitional period – it’s important to have European football in some capacity at Chelsea next season because when you’ve got the amount of players you’ve got, I think it helps.”
“Clubs like Chelsea, I think it can help them now because players want to play games, so they need European football. But for Liverpool, winning the title… they’ve got a massive opportunity so the league game’s more important for them.”
Liverpool need to maintain momentum
Dropping points this evening would not be the end of the world, but keeping the gap as wide as possible to their title rivals is key for the Reds.
After winning against Nottingham Forest, Arsenal have closed to within 2 points, while City can do the same with a victory over Burnley. The Merseyside club’s chances of finishing top would be damaged if they don’t get a result versus Chelsea.
Klopp will be hoping to win both matches
With it being his last season in charge, the Liverpool manager will be looking to go out with a bang. They are currently on course for the quadruple but a lot has to go right if his team are to win trophies this season.
The focus for now will be to win against Chelsea this week, but there is no doubt that Klopp’s team will be just as hungry to secure their first piece of silverware this season at Wembley on February 25th.
