Liverpool vs Chelsea – Premier League – Preview, Team News and Updates

Premier League fans buckle yourselves up because we are in for a thrilling ride, as English giants Chelsea and Liverpool lock horns in a match that promises goals and drama. The Blues head to Anfield on Sunday for a top-of-the-table clash that will have everyone on the edge of their seats.

Liverpool have kicked off the season in sensational fashion, racking up six wins from their first seven Premier League games. What makes this start even more remarkable is that it’s all happening under new head coach Arne Slot. Many expected this to be a rebuilding year for the Reds, but Slot has hit the ground running at Anfield and shattered those expectations. 

On the other hand, Chelsea are also navigating through their own transitional phase. After Todd Boehly and Co. decided to part ways with Mauricio Pochettino, they brought in Enzo Maresca over the summer. So far, things are looking up for the Blues, who sit comfortably in 4th place with 14 points from seven matches. However, taking on a high-flying Liverpool side will be a whole new level of challenge. So, which team could come out on top in this top-of-the-table clash? 

Liverpool vs Chelsea – Match Preview 

Stepping into Jurgen Klopp’s enormous shoes at Merseyside wasn’t an easy job. However, Arne Slot has made it look easy. Since taking the helm at Liverpool, the Dutch head coach has broken multiple records. Just a fortnight ago, Slot claimed his eighth win in nine games as Liverpool’s boss – a feat which legends like Bob Paisley, Bill Shankly and Jurgen Klopp never achieved. However, Slot isn’t satisfied by breaking records, he wants to make a name for himself like the aforementioned managers. And so far, he has hardly put a step wrong.  

Despite his excellent start, many naysayers have pointed out Liverpool’s easy schedule as the reason for his early success. The Reds have faced just one team currently in the top 10 of Premier League standings—Nottingham Forest—and they lost that match. If Liverpool and Slot want to prove their doubters wrong, a win over Chelsea is a good starting point. From now on, things are about to get much tougher for the Reds. Liverpool’s schedule gets considerably more challenging, with games against Chelsea, Arsenal, RB Leipzig, Brighton, Bayer Leverkusen and Aston Villa all taking place before November’s international break. This run of fixture would determine whether Arne Slot’s Liverpool are the real deal or not, and it all begins this Sunday. 

Taking on Chelsea will be no walk in the park for an in-form Liverpool, especially with the Blues hitting their stride in recent weeks. Despite initial doubts from some Chelsea fans about Enzo Maresca’s suitability for the job, his side has shown promise ever since their 2-0 defeat to Manchester City on opening day. Since then, Chelsea have lost just once – a 2-1 loss to Servette during their Conference League qualifier – in their last 10 games across all competitions.  

Maresca has them playing an exciting brand of football that always delivers goals. In fact, they are the second highest goalscorers in the Premier League this season with 16 goals – only behind Manchester City. Maresca’s men are proving they can entertain, and whether it’s a win, draw, or loss on Sunday, fans can expect to leave the stadium buzzing from a thrilling encounter. This clash with Liverpool promises to be a showdown packed with drama, goals, and everything that makes the Premier League so special.  

Liverpool vs Chelsea – Team News and Updates 

Chelsea will head to Anfield with a couple of key suspensions looming large. Both Wesley Fofana and Marc Cucurella are set to miss the clash after picking up their fifth yellow cards of the season. Cucurella's absence could see Renato Veiga thrown into the deep end with the tough job of keeping Mohamed Salah in check, while Axel Disasi and Tosin Adarabioyo will be vying to replace Fofana at the heart of the defense. On a brighter note for the Blues, Reece James has returned to training after a pre-season hamstring injury, bringing hope to Chelsea fans. Additionally, a scare over Danish goalkeeper Filip Jorgensen during the international break won’t affect Maresca’s plans, as he’s fit and ready for selection. 

Meanwhile, Liverpool have been hit by a major blow of their own. Star goalkeeper Alisson, who was forced off against Crystal Palace, is confirmed to be sidelined until after the November international break. Caoimhin Kelleher, who missed the win at Selhurst Park due to illness, will now step in between the sticks. Alisson joins Harvey Elliott, sidelined with a foot fracture, on Liverpool’s growing injury list. 

Federico Chiesa’s status remains unclear, but even if fit, the Italian wouldn’t start ahead of Mohamed Salah, especially after the Egyptian’s early return from international duty. Arne Slot also hinted at "a few issues" emerging from the international break, suggesting we might see some rotation in the lineup. Curtis Jones and Cody Gakpo could step in for Alexis Mac Allister and Luis Diaz, giving Liverpool fresh legs for what promises to be a thrilling contest. 

Liverpool vs Chelsea – Kick-Off Time and Date 

The game is scheduled to take place on 20th October 2024 (Sunday) at Anfield in Liverpool. The match will kick off at 9:00 PM (Indian Standard Time).