Liverpool vs Chelsea Prediction, Preview, Lineups and Team News | Premier League, October 20, 2024

Preview

• Date: Sunday, October 20
• Kick-off Time: 3:30 pm GMT
• Venue: Anfield, Liverpool

The biggest game during matchday eight of Premier League 2024/25 will undoubtedly be Liverpool taking on Chelsea at Anfield on Sunday. The Liverpool vs Chelsea fixture has a unique place in the Premier League folklore, having produced some absolute classics over the years. Only four points separate the two clubs in the league table, with Liverpool at the top thanks to 18 points while Chelsea at fourth with 14 points so far. John Brooks will take the responsibility of officiating the match.

Liverpool’s recent form can hold only positive and encouraging signs for the coaching staff and the supporters. The Merseyside club is on a six-match unbeaten streak with an aggregate score of 16-3. Arne Slot has done a commendable job so far by overseeing a seamless transition from the Jurgen Klopp era. His team is well on its way to achieving its season objectives. The five-time European Champions are enjoying a brilliant time on both ends of the pitch. Liverpool has averaged 2.6 goals per match in the last six games and has also kept the most clean sheets in the league (five). Tougher tests will await Liverpool but the squad is ready to overcome them on the back of the splendid run of form.

Not many expected Chelsea to be in a Champions League spot, seven matchdays into the new season. Following the opening day 2-0 defeat to Manchester City, Chelsea has been unbeaten in the Premier League with four victories and two draws. Enzo Maresca has been able to translate his ideas onto the pitch which has produced the desired effectiveness so far. The statistics back Chelsea on Sunday with the Blues possessing the second-best away record this season and also having scored a staggering 17 goals in the last five matches. The Italian coach has a number of options at his disposal, helping him keep his squad fresh. Liverpool will be Chelsea’s first big test following the defeat to Manchester City and the outcome will provide a fair assessment and projection of the remainder of the Premier League season.

Liverpool Team News

The table toppers have done a commendable job in this campaign despite the fitness woes of this campaign for Arne Slot. Alexis Mac Allister, Federico Chiesa, and Harvey Elliott will remain on the sidelines against Chelsea. The biggest miss for the Merseyside club will be the absence of starting goalkeeper, Alisson Becker who has been ruled out until the end of November.

Chelsea Team News

Chelsea and Enzo Maresca will be preparing themselves for a challenging outing against Liverpool. Reece James will be the only name on the injury list on Sunday. Apart from him, Marc Cucurella and Wesley Fofana are also ruled out due to suspension.

Liverpool vs Chelsea Predicted Lineups

Liverpool Predicted Lineup (4-3-3)

Goalkeeper: Jaros

Defenders: Alexander-Arnold, Konate, van Dijk, Robertson

Midfielders: Gravenberch, Jones, Szoboszlai

Forwards: Salah, Diaz, Jota

Chelsea Predicted Lineup (4-3-3)

Goalkeeper: Sanchez

Defenders: Gusto, Adarabioyo, Colwill, Disasi

Midfielders: Caicedo, Fernandez, Palmer

Forwards: Madueke, Sancho, Jackson

Also Read: Fulham vs Aston Villa Prediction, Preview, Lineups and Team News | Premier League, October 19, 2024

Liverpool vs Chelsea H2H Record

Surprisingly, Liverpool has been the overwhelmingly dominant side in this fixture in recent times. The Merseyside club is unbeaten against Chelsea in the last nine head-to-head meetings (four wins and five draws). This run includes three cup finals. Chelsea last recorded a win over Liverpool back in 2021.

Key Players to Watch in Liverpool vs Chelsea

Mohamed Salah (Liverpool)

Liverpool’s dependency in attack on Mohamed Salah is no secret. Years have passed by but Mohamed Salah’s output in front of goal has not been compromised. Under Arne Slot, Salah has become one of the pioneers of the new style of football. His ability to operate as an inside forward has improved massively which has allowed him to remain at the top of his game even in his twilight years. The Egyptian has four goals and four assists in seven Premier League appearances this season. The 32-year-old will be playing against his former club against whom he has seven goals and three assists in 22 previous outings.

Cole Palmer (Chelsea)

Cole Palmer has been one of the biggest reasons behind Chelsea’s resurgence in the previous two seasons. Palmer has been one of the best players in the world so far this season. He is ranked second in big chances created in the Premier League (eight). The youngster has already registered six goals and five assists in the league so far. There is much more to his game than statistics and Cole Palmer has ensured to display that time and time again. The Englishman has never recorded a goal contribution against Liverpool in his career and will be looking to change that on Sunday.

Liverpool vs Chelsea Prediction

Chelsea has been on a magnificent run of form. The frontline is functioning at its highest level but there are concerns about the defensive shape. Liverpool’s squad has more than enough experience to exploit Chelsea’s limitations. The hosts will also benefit from the crowd’s support.

Predicted Score: Liverpool 3-1 Chelsea

Also Read: Newcastle United vs Brighton Prediction, Preview, Lineups and Team News | Premier League, October 19, 2024

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