Liverpool vs Chelsea: Match Preview & predictions
Liverpool vs Chelsea: Match Preview & predictions. The Premier League’s standout fixture this weekend arrives at Anfield, when league leaders Liverpool host and take on this exciting Chelsea side.
These two classic rivals have duelled on many an occasion in recent times, including multiple domestic cup finals, with the reds claiming victory in all.
The Sunday’s clash sees two managers new to the English top flight battle it out on the touchline as Arne Slot goes head-to-head with Enzo Maresca. Slot has built on the sturdy foundations left by Jurgen Klopp on Merseyside, but has undoubtedly imprinted his own style and philosophy onto this excellent Liverpool side.
The hosts have won their previous six outings in all competitions, heading into this exciting fixture.
Maresca’s Blues are unbeaten in last seven outings in all competitions, but this is comfortably their biggest test since their loss to Manchester City on the opening weekend of the season. The Italian boss overcame a tough pre-season to enjoy a prosperous start to his tenure in west London, but this will be a huge test of their credentials.
Here’s a preview of Sunday’s exciting Premier League clash at Anfield.
What time does Liverpool vs Chelsea kick-off?
Location: Liverpool, England
Stadium: Anfield
Date: Sunday 20 October
Kick-off: 16:30 BST / 11:30 ET / 08:30 PT
Referee: John Brooks
VAR: Michael Oliver
Liverpool vs Chelsea H2H Record (Last Five Games)
Liverpool: 2 wins
Chelsea: 0 wins
Draws: 3
Last meeting: Chelsea 0-1 Liverpool (25 February 2024) – Premier League
Liverpool team news;
Alisson suffered another injury setback which will once again thrust Caoimhin Kelleher into the limelight. The Irishman performed well in the Brazilian’s absence last season.
Liverpool are also without midfielder Harvey Elliott due to a broken foot, while the ill Wataru Endo and summer recruit Federico Chiesa, who’s said to be carrying a knock, are both doubts as well.
The Reds’ backline will remain unchanged, as will their formidable midfield, which has burst into life under Slot. Luis Diaz and Mohamed Salah are expected to operate alongside Diogo Jota up top.
Liverpool predicted lineup vs Chelsea
Liverpool (4-2-3-1): Kelleher; Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Gravenberch, Mac Allister; Salah, Szoboszlai, Diaz; Jota.
Chelsea team news;
Enzo Maresca’s side received a huge injury boost during the international break as captain Reece James made his recovery from a hamstring injury. Maresca 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 earning minutes off the bench.
The Blues are without suspended duo Wesley Fofana and Marc Cucurella, so there should be starts for Tosin Adarabioyo and Renato Veiga in defence.
Chelsea predicted lineup vs Liverpool
Chelsea (4-2-3-1): Sanchez; Gusto, Tosin, Colwill, Veiga; Fernandez, Caicedo; Madueke, Palmer, Sancho; Jackson.
Liverpool vs Chelsea score prediction;
Slot’s Liverpool have started the new campaign on a bright note, whether they can sustain a title challenge is another matter, but we know they’re good. Maresca’s Chelsea on the other hand have also shown plenty of promise, with the Italian efficiently utilising his squad to their full potentials.
The visitors have been on a good run so far and have rarely played away from home in recent outings. This is a huge test, and while they shouldn’t succumb to a blitz as they did on their previous Anfield outing, Chelsea are expected to put up a great fight against Slot’s Reds when both team lock horns later today.
Prediction: Liverpool 0-2 Chelsea
