Two of English football’s heavyweights, Liverpool and Chelsea, clash at Anfield in what promises to be a thrilling encounter.
Arne Slot’s start to life at Liverpool has been exceptional, with his side sitting at the top of the Premier League. The Reds have conceded just two goals so far this season, boasting the best defense in the league.
However, Slot will be wary, as Liverpool’s only defeat of the campaign, a 1-0 loss to Nottingham Forest, came after the last international break.
Since that setback, Liverpool have responded with six straight wins across all competitions, making them well-equipped for this showdown.
A victory here would mark just the fifth time in their history that they’ve won seven of their opening eight top-flight matches.
The Reds have also had the upper hand in recent meetings with Chelsea, losing just two of the last 17 encounters (W9, D6), including four wins in cup finals.
Chelsea, however, won’t be pushovers. Enzo Maresca’s side is in fine form, having drawn 1-1 against Nottingham Forest last round following a five-game winning streak.
The Blues have been tough to beat in the league, losing only twice in their last 22 Premier League outings (W13, D7).
Chelsea’s away form has been stellar this season, with a perfect record of three wins from three road trips. If they can make it four in a row, it will be just the third time in their history that they’ve started a Premier League campaign with four consecutive away victories.
Maresca also has the chance to become only the fifth manager to win his first four Premier League away games Slot having achieved that feat earlier this season.
Players to Watch:
Liverpool: Virgil van Dijk was the hero in the EFL Cup final against Chelsea, scoring the extra-time winner in a 1-0 victory.
Another commanding performance from the Dutch defender could help secure Liverpool’s fourth clean sheet in their last six matches against Chelsea.
Chelsea: Nicolas Jackson has been crucial for Chelsea, scoring the opening goal in all three of his scoring appearances this season.
Two of those goals came away from home, and he’ll be looking to strike early again at Anfield.
Key Stats:
– Liverpool have only lost two of their last 17 meetings with Chelsea across all competitions.
– Chelsea are unbeaten in their Premier League away games this season (W3) and could make it four straight away wins to start a league campaign for the first time since 2009.
– Liverpool have conceded just two goals in the league this season, the fewest of any team.
Potential Lineups:
Liverpool: 4-2-3-1 :Kelleher; Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Gravenberch, Mac Allister; Salah, Szoboszlai, Diaz; Diogo Jota.
Chelsea: 4-2-3-1 : Sanchez; Gusto, Tosin, Colwill, Veiga; Caicedo, Enzo; Madueke, Palmer, Sancho; Jackson.
Score Prediction: Liverpool 2-2 Chelsea
Where to Watch:
United Kingdom: SkySports
United States: NBC Sports
Canada: fuboTV Canada
India: Hotstar, JioTV
China: iQiy,i Migu, QQ Sports Live
Australia: Optus Sport
Nigeria: SuperSports.
Prediction:
With both teams in fine form and Liverpool’s defensive strength countering Chelsea’s impressive away record, this clash is set to be tightly contested.
Expect plenty of drama, but Liverpool’s strong form at Anfield might just edge them past a determined Chelsea side.
