Liverpool must decide whether to start out Fabinho in defence or in midfield against Chelsea tonight (8.15pm kick-off) and also welcome back Alisson and Diogo Jota.

Liverpool came to winning ways last outing and desperately need victory over Chelsea at Anfield tonight (8.15pm kick-off) as they seek to create some momentum within the top-four fight. 

Both Manchester United and Leicester dropped points on Wednesday night and therefore the Reds can leapfrog Chelsea and West Ham into fourth by beating the Blues tonight as they seek a primary home win within the league since December 16. 

Chudonnews looks at how the reigning champion could line up as they welcome Alisson, Fabinho and Diogo Jota back to the squad.

Goalkeeper: Alisson

Adrian kept a clean sheet within the weekend's win at Sheffield United with Alisson missing out on compassionate grounds.

The Brazilian No 1 remains grieving the overtime of his father at the age of just 57 last week.

But Klopp has confirmed that the £67million shot-stopper will return between the sticks against Chelsea.

"Ali trained now the complete week and, yes, we should always expect that he's ready to return," he said on Wednesday.

The 28-year-old is seeking a primary shut-out since January 17 having conceded nine goals in his past three top-flight appearances.


Defence: Alexander-Arnold, Kabak, Fabinho, Robertson

In the full-back positions, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andy Robertson are easy picks with the Scot to continue his incredible record of starting every league game this season.

But Klopp has the primary of several big choices to form when it involves the centre of the Reds' defence, with Fabinho back to fitness.

The Brazil international has been unavailable for Liverpool's past four league games with a muscle problem and Nat Phillips and Ozan Kabak helped keep a clean sheet at the weekend in his latest absence.

Asked whether Fabinho will play, in midfield or in defence, Klopp replied: "Both is feasible. That's good and provides us options in several moments. I feel if we will find how to bring Fab back in midfield that might be, in some games, quite helpful."

Despite that, the way Fabinho played against Timo Werner within the reverse fixture - which Liverpool won 2-0 at Stamford Bridge - may mean he starts at the rear.

Phillips has stepped in well whenever he's been relied upon but he's best against the less mobile forwards and with Timo Werner expected to play on Chelsea's left, Kabak is that the more likely to be the right-sided partner to Fabinho.

Midfield: Wijnaldum, Thiago, Jones

Another tough pick for Klopp, Naby Keita scored an outstanding strike the last time Liverpool welcomed Chelsea to Anfield back in July on the night they lifted the league title.

But the Guinean is probably going to take a seat on the bench to start out with as he did against Sheffield United, given Curtis Jones' recent form.

The Liverpool-born 20-year-old was one among the few players to continue performing throughout their poor recent form and scored the opening goal at Sheffield United on Sunday.

He should be joined by Gini Wijnaldum, who like Robertson has played in every single one among Liverpool's Premier League games this season.

Thiago Alcantara should complete the midfield three having impressed within the previous clash against Chelsea when he made his debut and his ability to stay the ball struggling are going to be key against the likes of N'Golo Kante and Mason Mount.

Attack: Salah, Firmino, Mane

In addition to the returns of Alisson and Fabinho, Jurgen Klopp also will welcome Diogo Jota back to his match-day squad.

Despite coming back from injury, the Portuguese - Liverpool's third-highest top scorer this season on nine goals - was ruled out at the weekend due to illness.

Klopp said: "He looked exceptionally well, but unfortunately he got ill overnight, so now we've to ascertain how big the steps are, he can make towards the team again."

However, though Jota was superb before succumbing to a knee problem on December 9, he will only be an option off of the bench.

The out-of-sorts Roberto Firmino netted at Bramall Lane courtesy of a deflection and despite some poor recent form, will keep his starting spot for now a minimum of until Jota is back at full tilt.

Out wide, Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane are going to be Liverpool's main goalscoring outlets because the Egyptian looks to extend his two-goal lead over Manchester United's Bruno Fernandes within the Golden Boot race.

Predicted Liverpool XI to face Chelsea (4-3-3): Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Kabak, Fabinho, Robertson; Wijnaldum, Thiago, Jones; Salah, Firmino, Mane