Prediction: Chelsea vs Liverpool

Prediction: Liverpool leading after 15 minutes

Odds: 9/2

Bookmaker: William Hill

Liverpool and Chelsea face off for the second time this week on Saturday evening following the Blues’ success in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday.

The two teams clash this time at Stamford Bridge after Chelsea progressed to the next round of the cup with a 2-1 comeback victory at Anfield. The game will also be remembered for a stunning goal from Eden Hazard that secured their progression.

Chelsea

Despite Chelsea’s perfect start to the season having ended with a 0-0 draw against West Ham United last time out, the win on Merseyside extended their impressive unbeaten record under Maurizio Sarri. The Blues lost the Community Shield to Manchester City but since then, they have gone eight games without a loss in all competitions, including the UEFA Europa League. The Londoners now sit third in the Premier League table, only two points behind leaders Liverpool. One aspect that has been key to their revival since the departure of Antonio Conte is their defence. The Blues have only conceded four goals so far this season with only opponents Liverpool and Manchester City bettering that record. As a matter of fact, they have only conceded more than once in one game this season – the 3-2 win over Arsenal in mid-August.

They will also be aiming to continue their excellent record on home soil following a great start at home under Sarri. The Blues have won all three of their games at Stamford Bridge this season, scoring nine goals.

Team News

The Blues could have a few players returning from injury for the clash against Liverpool. Central defensive duo Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen have been struggling with a groin injury and illness respectively but could potentially be ready to return to action. Pedro may also be called upon after getting over a shoulder injury. Ruben Loftus-Cheek has also recovered from a knock but he is unlikely to displace the likes of N’Golo Kante and Jorginho.

Liverpool

The Reds’ loss to Chelsea on Wednesday night was the first time that Jurgen Klopp’s men had tasted anything other than victory this season. Previously, they had enjoyed seven consecutive victories in both the Premier League and UEFA Champions League. Despite their cup exit, the Reds still sit top of the league with a perfect record and the best defensive record in the top flight of English football. In regards to attacking talent, the Merseysiders have also impressed – only Manchester City have scored more than the Reds’ 14 goals this season.

This game then could go a huge way in deciding if Klopp’s men could be genuine title contenders. One aspect that could potentially trouble them is last season’s form against the ‘big six’ away from home. The Reds only earned one point in all of their games against Manchester City, Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur, Arsenal and Chelsea in 2017/18, with some of the results ending in heavy defeat. If they could rectify that record, they could be a huge threat at the top of the Premier League.

Team News

Liverpool still have a few long-term absentees to contend with. Alex Oxlade-Chanberlain, Divock Origi and Adam Lallana are all ruled out. However, the likes of Georginio Wijnaldum, Virgil van Dijk and Trent Alexander-Arnold could all be called to action after making their returns.

Key Facts To Consider

• Liverpool have the marginally better record between the two teams (W77, D40, L63)
• The Reds have not won seven Premier League games in a row since 2014
• There has not been a 0-0 between Chelsea and Liverpool since 2005
• The last clash between the two at Stamford Bridge ended 1-0 to Chelsea
• Eden Hazard has played more games against Liverpool than anyone else, having a hand in eight goals in his last 16 games

Conclusion

Despite this game being played in the early stages of the season, the importance of it really cannot be understated. Most will be expecting a thrilling game of attacking football, and whilst that could be the case, it will be interesting to see who hits the first goal at Stamford Bridge. Liverpool have enjoyed fast starts in most of their games this season so they should again open the scoring but both teams should score.

Prediction: Liverpool leading after 15 minutes

Odds: 9/2

Bookmaker: William Hill