Liverpool looking to avoid worst start to a year for 70 years

The struggling Reds have suffered back-to-back Premier League defeats to open 2023, firstly going down 3-1 to Brentford at the Gtech Community Stadium on January 2.

Ibrahima Konate's own goal and Yoane Wissa's effort preceded an Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain response, but Bryan Mbeumo wrapped up the three points for the Bees late on.

Jurgen Klopp's men then travelled South to meet Brighton & Hove Albion last Saturday, and they were humiliated in a 3-0 defeat to Roberto De Zerbi's men at the Amex.

Solly March's brace and Danny Welbeck's effort gave the Seagulls a thoroughly deserved win over Liverpool, who had not lost their opening two league games of a year since 1993 before last weekend.

After equalling that disappointing 30-year-old record on the South coast, Liverpool could now match an unwanted feat from all the way back in 1953 if they suffer defeat to Chelsea.

It has been 70 years since the Reds last suffered three successive losses in their opening three league games of a calendar year, as they lost to Stoke City, Manchester City and Portsmouth in January 1953.

A shaky defensive record has bedevilled Liverpool throughout the campaign, as Klopp's side have failed to keep a clean sheet in their last eight Premier League matches and have conceded three goals in their last two.

Coincidentally, the last time that Liverpool conceded three or more goals in three successive league games also came in 1953, where they lost 5-1 to Portsmouth and Manchester United before a 5-2 defeat to West Bromwich Albion in December.

However, Liverpool returned to winning ways with a 1-0 success against Wolverhampton Wanderers in their FA Cup third-round replay on Tuesday, with a wonder strike from Harvey Elliott settling the contest.

The Reds should also be handed a significant injury boost ahead of the visit of Chelsea, with Darwin Nunez expected to return from a minor injury in time to start up front.

The Uruguayan missed out against Brighton and Wolves after sustaining the unspecified issue, but he has reportedly returned to team training with the Reds to alleviate their injury concerns.

Klopp, who will take charge of his 1,000th game as a manager, remains without the services of Virgil van Dijk, Luis Diaz, Diogo Jota, Roberto Firmino and Arthur for the visit of Chelsea.

A total of 28 points from 18 games sees Liverpool languish in ninth place in the Premier League table, level on points with 10th-placed Chelsea - who have played a game more - but ahead of their upcoming opponents on goal difference.

Liverpool defeated Chelsea on penalties in the EFL Cup and FA Cup finals last season, although both meetings in the 2021-22 Premier League campaign ended level.