Adrian Clarke looks at key tactical points in Matchweek 37.
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Liverpool will be looking forward to lifting the Premier League Trophy after Wednesday's match at Anfield, but Christian Pulisic is capable of spoiling their party.
The American has been one of the sharpest attackers in the Premier League since the competition resumed in June.
The 21-year-old winger has produced direct goal involvements in five of his seven appearances, scoring three times, providing an assist and winning a penalty.
In a contest where Chelsea can secure a top-four finish, he can certainly hurt the champions.
Heir to Hazard
It was never going to be easy for Pulisic to follow in Eden Hazard’s footsteps. But in recent weeks his form has been every bit as impressive as that of the Belgian, who left for Real Madrid last summer.
While not quite as dangerous with the ball at his feet, or as creative, the United States international’s goal threat is at the same level as Hazard's was last season.
Hazard v Pulisic for Chelsea
| Stats per 90 | Hazard 2018/19 | Pulisic in June/July |
|---|---|---|
| Shots | 1.82 | 2.50 |
| Shots on target | 1.32 | 1.33 |
| Dribbles completed | 4.25 | 2.60 |
| Open-play chances created | 2.60 | 1.50 |
| Chances created | 3.02 | 1.50 |
| Mins per goal | 182.81 | 180.66 |
Stylistically Pulisic offers similar qualities to the Blues.
Starting from the left side of a three-man attack, he pierces the lines with darting bursts and regularly slides infield to find pockets of space behind the main striker.
When Olivier Giroud leads the line – and the in-form Frenchman is expected to start at Anfield – Chelsea need quick runners to support him, and Pulisic fits the bill.
To contain the young star and his sprightly movement, Jurgen Klopp’s defenders must track him tightly and communicate well.
Settled forward line
It seems remarkable but until Chelsea’s 2-1 home win over Manchester City last month, head coach Frank Lampard had never selected Pulisic, Giroud and Willian together in a Premier League starting XI.
In fact, the trio had shared the pitch for just 29 minutes until the season resumed.
Since then, all three have been in inspired form.
Making four starts together, all of them Chelsea wins, they have shared a further 336 minutes of pitch time.
Improved goalscoring rate
They have combined very nicely, and it is no coincidence that during this period the Blues have scored nine goals at a rate of one every 37.3 minutes.
That is an improvement, given Chelsea’s average over the whole campaign is a goal every 50.6 minutes.
The Liverpool rearguard have been exceptional en route to their title success, but cracks have surfaced since they secured the crown.
If they are not back to their best on Wednesday, the Pulisic-Giroud-Willian axis can threaten the Reds’ long unbeaten home record in the competition, which stretches back to April 2017.
