Date – 20th October 2024
Venue – Anfield
Kick off – 16.30pm
The Premier League finally returns with a Super Sunday matchup between two huge domestic rivals, one that could be pivotal to the aspirations of each club this season. Liverpool is hoping to be end of season contenders for the illustrious Premier League crown, whereas Chelsea are desperate to get back into the Champions League and temporarily avert the incoming sanctions surrounding their explosive accounts. Last season saw the reds overthrow the West London outfit with relative ease, however, this campaign has seen both sides start in strong fashion, thereby creating an exciting encounter for the weekend contest.
Chelsea Team News
In terms of availability, the new Chelsea manager, Enzo Maresca, has some key decisions to make for this huge trip to Anfield. The club captain, Reece James, is available for selection, whilst Omari Kellyman is ruled out. The key defensive duo of Marc Cucurella, and Wesley Fofana, are both suspended after picking up five yellow cards in the early stage of the season, allowing for at least two alterations in the visitors back line. There are mild doubts over Chukwunonso Madueke, Levi Colwill, and Carney Chukwuemeka, though all should be fit to take their place in the match day squad.
Chelsea Recent Form
Regarding early season form, the blues drew 1-1 at home to Nottingham Forest just prior to the international break, after soundly beating Brighton, 4-2, at Stanford Bridge. A savage 0-3 beating at West Ham was recorded before that game, whereas a 5-0 in the EFL Cup third round was achieved against visiting Barrow. A comprehensive 4-2 win was attained against Gent in the UEFA Conference League, as they hosted their European rivals in between the games against Forest and Brighton.
Following seven games played, the high spending London outfit sit 4th in the Premier League standings, after attaining a superb fourteen-point haul.
Predicted Lineup
A predicted line up for the away team is listed below, in a 4-2-3-1 formation.
Robert Sánchez, Malo Gusto, Axel Disasi, Tosin Adarabioyo, Levi Colwill, Moisés Caicedo, Enzo Fernández, Cole Palmer, Noni Madueke, Nicolas Jackson, Jadon Sancho
Liverpool Team News
In terms of injures, Harvey Elliott remains sidelined until late October with a fractured foot, whereas Federico Chris’s will be out for a few more days. Alisson Becker sustained a hamstring strain against Crystal Palace (two weeks ago), which could keep him out until early November. Alexis Mac Allister appears free of any injury, despite some concerns during the international break. Curtis Jones is back in training following the birth of his child.
Liverpool Recent Form
Regarding recent form, a solid 0-1 victory was recorded against Crystal Palace before the international break, following the most recent Champions League tie that saw Bologna beaten 2-0 at Anfield. That double win came after Slot’s men had overcome an aggressive Wolves team, in securing a 1-2 away win. That Premier League encounter came just days after the reds had produced a wonderful 5-1 performance against West Ham (at Anfield) in the EFL Cup third round. The reds are currently top of the Premier League after amassing a tremendous eighteen points from seven games played.
Predicted Lineup
Below is the team I believe the Dutch boss, Arne Slot, will start for this home encounter. The extra days rest and recuperation should see his strongest side selected, with more rotation expected for the trio to Germany (to face RB Leipzig) in midweek.
Caoimhin Kelleher, Trent Alexander Arnold, Ibrahima Konaté, Virgil van Dijk (c), Andy Robertson, Ryan Gravenberch, Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai, Mohamed Salah, Diogo Jota, Cody Gakpo
How Will This Contest Play Out
Liverpool will have to be alert and motivated for this game, especially with Chelsea in the ascendancy regarding their goal scoring exploits. Cole Palmer will have to be marshalled throughout, which makes the deep lying position of Ryan Gravenberch perhaps key to Merseyside success. Chelsea will be shuffling their back line; therefore, the enforced alterations should lead to a home win. The attacking prowess of the hosts is undeniable, which should see the reds over the line, courtesy of their Egyptian King, Mohamed Salah.
Player to watch – Ryan Gravenberch
Score Prediction – Liverpool 2 – 1 Chelsea
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