---
title: "Lovren must start against Chelsea, claims Lawrenson"
canonical: "https://readliverpoolfc.com/articles/lovren-must-start-against-chelsea-claims-lawrenson/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Henry Jackson"
section: "Articles"
published: "2020-03-03T14:30:00Z"
modified: "2020-03-03T14:30:00Z"
---

# Lovren must start against Chelsea, claims Lawrenson

It is imperative that Dejan Lovren starts against Chelsea in the FA Cup fifth round, according to Liverpool legend Mark Lawrenson.

Lovren suffered a bad night at the office on Saturday, throwing in a hapless performance in the Reds’ 3-0 defeat at Watford. The Croatian subsequently received plenty of [criticism](https://www.theguardian.com/football/2020/mar/02/jurgen-klopp-jumps-to-defence-of-dejan-lovren-after-watford-defeat) for his role in Liverpool’s loss.

Writing for [BBC Sport](https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/51706300), however, Lawrenson believes Lovren must start at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday evening, in order to improve his match fitness.

> I don’t think Klopp will play as many kids this time – after Dejan Lovren’s performance at the back at the weekend I would definitely be playing him, because he looked unbelievably rusty.

### Read Liverpool Verdict

Lawrenson’s comments could rile fans who want Lovren nowhere near the starting line-up, but I think there is method in the madness.

In fairness to the 30-year-old, he was clearly rusty against Watford, but he could be in better physical condition for the meeting with Chelsea.

It would also afford both Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez the night off, ahead of vital [upcoming](https://www.liverpoolfc.com/match/2019-20/first-team/fixtures-and-results) Premier League and Champions League matches.

There will be some who want Jurgen Klopp to go full-strength, but I could understand a Lovren and Joel Matip centre-back partnership. It would represent a great chance for Lovren to respond after his disastrous showing at the weekend.