Stamford Bridge braces for a clash of Premier League heavyweights as Chelsea look to steady the ship against a Liverpool side also wobbling after a fine start to the campaign.
Chelsea edged past Benfica 1-0 in midweek UEFA Champions League action thanks to a fortunate own goal, but that result papered over deeper cracks.
Domestically, Enzo Maresca’s men are winless in three league matches (D1, L2), leaving them already trailing Sunday’s visitors by seven points.
The Blues cannot afford further slip-ups, particularly with memories of their last double-digit winless league run fresh in mind.
On the positive side, Stamford Bridge remains a fortress of sorts, with Chelsea losing just two of their last 18 competitive home outings (W13, D3).
Liverpool arrive in London on the back of their first genuine setback under Arne Slot, having lost back-to-back games for only the second time in his tenure.
The late 2-1 reverse to Crystal Palace was compounded by a 1-0 Champions League defeat at Galatasaray, and what will concern Slot most is the flatness of those performances.
The Reds have also been uncharacteristically fragile on the road in the capital, losing each of their last three league trips to London.
Head-to-Head History
Chelsea’s 3-1 win in this fixture last season finally ended a ten-match winless run against Liverpool (D5, L5).
Victory here would see the Blues register back-to-back home league wins over the Reds for the first time since 2006.
Hot Stats and Streaks
- Chelsea have scored exactly once before half-time in seven of their last nine home games.
- Chelsea are winless in their last five home league games vs reigning champions (D1, L4).
- Liverpool’s six Premier League games this term have produced a league-high eight goals after the 80th minute.
- None of Liverpool’s last eight matches in all competitions have been decided by more than one goal.
Key Players to Watch
- João Pedro (Chelsea): Sent off in midweek but will be a threat against an underperforming Liverpool defence with his box movement and link up play.
- Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool): A potential late-game threat, with his last four goals for the Reds scored after the 80th minute. He has also netted in each of the last two seasons against Chelsea.
Team News
- Chelsea: Cole Palmer remains sidelined, while Trevoh Chalobah misses out through suspension after his red card last week. Defensive issues persist with Wesley Fofana , Levi Colwill and Tosin unavailable.
- Liverpool: Goalkeeper Alisson picked up an injury in midweek and is sidelined until after the international break. Ekitike is also doubt.
Potential Lineups
Chelsea: 4-2-3-1 – Sanchez; James, Acheampong, Badiashile, Cucurella; Lavia, Caicedo; Estevao, Enzo, Neto; Joao Pedro.
Liverpool: 4-2-3-1 – Mamardashvilli; Bradley, Konate, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Gravenberch, Mac Allister; Salah, Szoboszlai, Gakpo; Isak
Where can I watch the game?
United Kingdom: Sky Sports
United States: Peacock, NBC, USA Network
Canada: Fubo
India: JioHotstar
Australia: Stan Sport
Nigeria: SuperSports
Score Prediction: Chelsea 1-1 Liverpool
Conclusion and prediction
Both sides are under pressure after recent setbacks, and with Chelsea strong at home but Liverpool so often dangerous late on, this has the makings of a tense, finely balanced affair.
Prediction: Chelsea 1-1 Liverpool.
