The highlight of the Premier League this weekend comes to Anfield as league leaders Liverpool take on fourth-placed Chelsea.
These two classic rivals have faced off in duels on many occasions in recent times, including multiple domestic cup finals, all won by the team in red.
Sunday’s clash sees two new managers in the English top flight clash on the touchline as Arne Slot takes on Enzo Maresca. Slot has built on the solid foundations left by Jurgen Klopp on Merseyside but has certainly imprinted his own style on this excellent Liverpool side.
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 beating them. Manchester City the opening weekend of the season. The Italian boss overcame a tough pre-season to enjoy a thriving start to his tenure in west London, but this will be a huge test of his credentials.
here it is 90 minutes preview of Sunday’s thriller Premier League duel at Anfield.
Head-to-head record between Liverpool and Chelsea (last five games)
Current form (all competitions)
Liverpool |
Chelsea |
---|---|
Crystal Palace 0-1 Liverpool – 24/10/05 |
Chelsea 1-1 Nottingham Forest – 24/10/06 |
Liverpool 2-0 Bologna – 02/10/24 |
Chelsea 4-2 Gent – 03/10/24 |
Wolves 1-2 Liverpool – 28/09/24 |
Chelsea 4-2 Brighton – 28/09/24 |
Liverpool – West Ham 5-1 – 25/09/24 |
Chelsea 5-0 Barrow – 24/09/24 |
Liverpool 3-0 Bournemouth – 21/09/24 |
West Ham – Chelsea 0-3 – 21/09/24 |
country |
TV channel/live broadcast |
---|---|
united kingdom |
Sky Go UK, NOW, SKY GO Extra, Sky Sports Main Event, Sky Sports Premier League, Sky Ultra HD |
united states |
fuboTV, nbcsports.com, NBC Sports App, Telemón Live Sports, USA Network, Telemón |
canada |
fuboTV Canada, Fubo Sports Network Canada |
Alisson has suffered another injury setback which will put Caoimhin Kelleher back in the spotlight. The Irishman performed well in the Brazilian’s absence last season.
Liverpool They are also without Harvey Elliott with a broken foot, while the ill Wataru Endo and Federico Chiesa, who is said to be suffering from a knock, are both doubts.
The Reds’ stellar back line will remain unchanged, as will their formidable and fluid midfield triumvirate that has burst into life under Slot. Luis Diaz and Mohamed Salah will operate on top of Diogo Jota.
Liverpool predicted line-up against Chelsea (4-2-3-1): Kelleher; Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Gravenberch, Mac Allister; Salah, Szoboszlai, Diaz; Jota
The visitors received a big boost at the break as Reece James recovered from a hamstring injury. Maresca has 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 gaining minutes off the bench.
Chelsea they are without suspended duo Wesley Fofana and Marc Cucurella, so there should be starters for Tosin Adarabioyo and Renato Veiga in defence.
Chelsea’s predicted line-up against Liverpool (4-3-3): Sanchez; Gusto, Tosin, Colwill, Veiga; Fernández, Caicedo; Madueke, Palmer, Sancho; jackson
Slot’s Liverpool is the real deal. Whether they can mount a title challenge is another matter, but we know they are good. Maresca’s Chelsea have also shown plenty of promise, with the Italian using his large squad efficiently, but there are certainly more questions surrounding the Blues.
The visitors have benefited from a good 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 like they did in their previous outing at Anfield, Chelsea are likely to lose for the first time in the Premier League since the opening weekend.
Expect the hosts to exploit some holes in Maresca’s frame in an impressive win.