The Premier League’s standout fixture this weekend arrives at Anfield as league leaders Liverpool take on fourth-place Chelsea.
These two classic rivals have duelled on many an occasion in recent times, including multiple domestic cup finals all won by the team in red.
Sunday’s bout sees two managers new to the English top flight battle it out on the touchline as Arne Slot goes head-to-head with Enzo Maresca. Slot has built on the sturdy foundations left by Jurgen Klopp on Merseyside but has undoubtedly imprinted his own style onto this excellent Liverpool team.
The hosts have won their previous six outings in all competitions.
Maresca’s Blues are unbeaten in seven, but this is comfortably their biggest test since they were beaten by Manchester City on the opening weekend of the season. The Italian boss overcame a tough pre-season to enjoy a prosperous start to his tenure in west London, but this will be a huge test of their credentials.
Here’s 90min’s preview of Sunday’s exciting Premier League duel at Anfield.
Liverpool vs Chelsea H2H Record (Last Five Games)
Current form (all competitions)
How to watch Liverpool vs Chelsea on TV and live stream
Liverpool team news
Alisson has sustained another injury setback which will once again thrust Caoimhin Kelleher into the limelight. The Irishman performed well in the Brazilian’s absence last season.
Liverpool are also without Harvey Elliott due to a broken foot, while the ill Wataru Endo and Federico Chiesa, who’s said to be carrying a knock, are both doubts.
The Reds’ stellar backline will remain unchanged, as will their formidable and fluid midfield triumvirate which has burst into life under Slot. Luis Diaz and Mohamed Salah will operate off Diogo Jota up top.
Liverpool predicted lineup vs Chelsea
Liverpool predicted lineup vs Chelsea (4-2-3-1): Kelleher; Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Gravenberch, Mac Allister; Salah, Szoboszlai, Diaz; Jota.
Chelsea team news
The visitors received a huge boost during the break as Reece James made his recovery from a hamstring injury. Maresca confirmed that his captain’s workload will be managed, but he should be in contention for Sunday’s game.
Malo Gusto is likely to start at right-back with James earning minutes off the bench.
Chelsea are without suspended duo Wesley Fofana and Marc Cucurella, so there should be starts for Tosin Adarabioyo and Renato Veiga in defence.
Chelsea predicted lineup vs Liverpool (4-3-3): Sanchez; Gusto, Tosin, Colwill, Veiga; Fernandez, Caicedo; Madueke, Palmer, Sancho; Jackson.
Liverpool vs Chelsea score prediction
Slot’s Liverpool are the real deal. Whether they can sustain a title challenge is another matter, but we know they’re good. Maresca’s Chelsea have also shown plenty of promise, with the Italian efficiently utilising his deep squad, but more questions undoubtedly surround the Blues.
The visitors have benefitted from a kind run and have rarely played away from home in recent outings. This is a huge test, and while they shouldn’t succumb to a blitz as they did on their previous Anfield outing, Chelsea are likely to lose for the first time in the Premier League since the opening weekend.
Expect the hosts to exploit a few holes within Maresca’s framework in an impressive victory.
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