Liverpool Vs Chelsea match is the biggest Premier League fixture to watch out for this weekend as action returns in the English top flight after the October international break.
The Reds lead the way at the summit of the standings thanks to their 1-0 triumph over Crystal Palace before the hiatus, while the Blues were stunned in a 1-1 draw versus Nottingham Forest.
Liverpool Vs Chelsea Preview
Liverpool’s manager Arne Slot is doing a pretty good job but will face a tough test against a revamped Chelsea side under the watch of shrewd Italian tactician Enzo Maresca.
Liverpool saw off Crystal Palace with Slot grabbing his eighth Premier League victory, thanks to a lone goal by Diogo Jota.
However, it was still a disappointing day for the team as their No.1 goalkeeper Allison Becker was ruled out due to an injury. Notwithstanding, the win ensured the Merseyside outfit went top of the Premier League table.
On the other hand, Chelsea’s last clash against Espirito Santos’ Nottingham Forest descended into chaos.
Chris Wood’s goal ensured Enzo Maresca’s five-game winning run with the Blues came to an end at Stamford Bridge. Against Liverpool, it will be another tough test for the Italian, who will be looking to win their fourth consecutive away match with the team.
But he will be wrestling against the odds. The last time Liverpool lost a match to Chelsea was in March 2021. The Reds have won their last two fixtures against the Blues but have drawn three of their last five meetings.
Liverpool Vs Chelsea’s team news
Alisson Becker headlines Liverpool’s injury list ahead of the match. The Brazilian picked up a muscle injury during their 1-0 away victory over Crystal Palace and is out until January 2025. Liverpool No.2 Caoimihn Kelleher is expected to replace the Brazilian stopper.
Harvey Elliot and Federico Chiesa are doubts for the game due to injuries. Also, the likes of Mac Allister, Luis Diaz, and others, who were heavily involved during the international break could be rested in the fixture.
Chelsea heads into the game with two suspensions; Wesley Fofana and Marc Cucurella both picked up their fifth yellow cards of the campaign and will miss the Anfield battle.
Cucurella’s absence opens the door for Renato Veiga to take on the unenviable task of keeping Salah quiet, while Axel Disasi and Tosin Adarabioyo will scrap it out to replace Fofana in the heart of the backline.
In brighter news, perpetual injury victim Reece James is back in training after hurting his hamstring in pre-season, and a scare over Danish goalkeeper Filip Jorgensen on international duty will have no impact on Maresca’s starting XI.
Possible lineup
Liverpool’s possible starting lineup: Kelleher; Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Jones, Gravenberch; Salah, Szoboszlai, Gakpo; Jota
Chelsea’s possible starting lineup: Sanchez; Gusto, Disasi, Colwill, Veiga; Caicedo, Fernandez; Madueke, Palmer, Sancho; Jackson.
Prediction
It will be a rollercoaster clash between the two sides as both managers will look to make a statement in the tie. Liverpool’s free-scoring Frontline will cause Chelsea problems as well as the visitors’ prowess. Both teams will find the back of the net and it is likely to end in a 2-2 draw.
