Liverpool will be looking to continue their Premier League title charge when they host Chelsea at Anfield on Sunday afternoon.
BBC Sport pundit Mark Lawrenson has admitted that he expected the form of Liverpool ace Roberto Firmino to dip once Philippe Coutinho left the club in 2018.
Both Firmino and Coutinho are Brazil internationals and close friends off the field of play, with the latter making the switch to Barcelona during the winter transfer window of 2018.
Speaking to Football Focus on BBC One (13/04/201 at 12:05 pm), Lawrenson spoke about Firmino’s recent form and how he expected him to ‘go down a little bit’ once Coutinho departed.
“He dovetails extremely well with Salah and Mane,” Lawrenson told Football Focus. “I think when Coutinho left for Barcelona because they were really big buddies, you kind of thought his performances might go down a little bit, if anything, they’re better.
“He didn’t have a great start to the season, probably the first four months he was okay, but just the way the three of them play together, I think they’ve scored 47 goals in the league which is brilliant – he’s become a really good all-round footballer.”
On Sunday, Jurgen Klopp’s side will host Eden Hazard-inspired, Chelsea at Anfield as they bid to take charge of the Premier League title race.
Before they kick-off late on Sunday, Manchester City, who travel to Crystal Palace could have leapfrogged their rivals if they pick up three points at Selhurst Park.
Firmino, who has been in a rich vein of form in recent weeks, will be hoping to make his mark and help his side to a valuable three points against a team that has Hazard in red hot form.
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