'We won at Stamford Bridge so why can't we win at Anfield?'

First-half goals from Dejan Lovren and Jordan Henderson proved enough for the Reds to claim a 2-1 victory in west London back in September - a result that puts them alongside Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur as one of just three teams to have beaten the Blues in the Premier League this term.

A change in formation from Chelsea boss Antonio Conte, and a subsequent 13-game winning streak, followed soon after that loss to Jürgen Klopp’s side.

However, Liverpool’s outstanding display in the reverse fixture gives Mignolet belief that they can defeat the league leaders again this evening.

“Well actually after the game I think Chelsea changed their system, so that shows a lot,” the goalkeeper told Liverpoolfc.com, when asked how much confidence the Reds can take from that win at Stamford Bridge. 

“Of course after that they went on a really good run, they have really good momentum, they play really good football, create a lot of chances, don’t give many away, so all credit to them. 

“But we played our game there - we took the game to them, scored two goals and defended really well. That’s what we’ll have to do again on Tuesday. 

“It will be a different game, but if you can win at Stamford Bridge there’s no reason why you can’t do it at home, at Anfield.”

Tonight’s clash will see Liverpool, the Premier League’s top goalscorers, come up against the division’s stingiest defence.

Chelsea’s adaption to Conte’s three-at-the-back formation has helped them concede just 15 goals in 22 top-flight games this season, but Mignolet feels that shape could present the Reds with chances - as long as they stick to their game plan.

“We’ve played it in the past, too, so we know what the system is about,” the Belgium international explained.

“We’ll take a few tactical pointers from the coaching staff to see how we will defend that, but on the other side it’s also about seeing what the opportunities are like for us and to try and prepare ourselves the best we can to play our game. 

“Of course we’re at home so we want to play our own football and our own style also, and that’s what we’ll try to do. If we can balance those two out, then we’ve got a good chance to win this game.”

Sadio Mane may return to Klopp’s squad this evening after Senegal’s participation in the Africa Cup of Nations ended on Saturday, and Mignolet recognises the lift the forward’s return could provide.

“We feel for him, of course, because you never want him to go out of the Africa Cup of Nations. We know how important it is for Senegal and especially for him, so he will be disappointed,” the 28-year-old added. 

“But he’s shown what he can do for us, so it’s always a big boost when he comes back.

“To have the creativeness, speed and power and tracking back like he was before…we look forward to seeing him back pretty soon, and then he will be ready to go again because he will want to respond to going out of the Africa Cup of Nations. I’m sure he will be ready for it.”

Mignolet also stressed the importance of synergy between the home players and fans as Liverpool bid to end a run of three successive Anfield defeats.

“It comes both ways, really, so we have to give them something also,” the No.22 replied, when quizzed on how crucial the Reds' supporters could be tonight.

“It doesn’t work in one direction, we have to work together and as a unit we have to do it. I’m sure the fans will be behind us as always and they will try to push us forward, and then it’s about making sure that we as a team give them something to cheer about. 

“It’s a connection that has to work and I’m sure that connection is there. I’m really looking forward to playing at Anfield again.”