Verdict: Liverpool to score over 1.5 goals
Best Odds: 8/11
Bookmaker: Bet365
In a repeat of this summers Super Cup Final, Liverpool will make the trip to Stamford Bridge on Sunday afternoon.
Chelsea
Starting with the hosts, while Chelsea may have put in a season-best display in their 5-2 win away at Wolves after returning from the international break, Frank Lampard saw his side come crashing back down to earth in midweek. Opening this year’s Champions League campaign with a shock 1-0 defeat against Valencia at Stamford Bridge, the former England midfielder has seen his side continue to show some glaring inconsistencies. Electing to largely turn to youth over the summer, fans around West London will be most concerned by their sides continued defensive issues. Yet to record a single clean sheet across any competition since opening the new campaign, the Blues have also shipped at least a pair of goals in four of their opening five top-flight appearances. Despite their continued struggles at the back, Lampard will be hugely excited by Tammy Abraham’s red-hot start. Bagging his first top-flight hat-trick at Molineux last weekend, the England U21 international now has seven goals in his last three Premier League outings.
Team News
Chelsea’s Mason Mount faces a fitness test on the ankle sprain he suffered in their midweek Champions League loss. N’Golo Kante is in contention after returning to training but Emerson Palmieri is once again doubtful.
Liverpool
As for the visitors, much like Chelsea, Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp will be calling on an immediate response from his side after opening their Champions League campaign with a defeat. Suffering a 2-0 loss away at Napoli, the former Borussia Dortmund boss should still find the confidence in his camp at a high. Desperate to clinch their first Premier League crown, Sunday’s guests are the only side to boast a 100% start in their opening five appearances and currently hold a five-point buffer over Manchester City. Despite their continued success, the Reds do have some mild defensive issues. They have recorded just a single clean sheet in any of their opening five matchups. While Chelsea have one leading man enjoying a purple patch, Liverpool have their own attacking talisman who has continued to shine. Now bagging six in his last six across all formats, including a brace against the Blues in the Super Cup last month, Sadio Mane should be confident of extending that goalscoring run this weekend.
Team News
Divock Origi is unlikely to play, according to Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp, due to his ongoing ankle injury. Naby Keita is back in full training, while keeper Alisson and Nathaniel Clyne both remain out but are also stepping up their recoveries.
Key Factors to Consider
- Sadio Mane has six goals in his last six matches across all competitions.
- Liverpool are the only side to boast a 100% start to the season.
- The last time the two sides met in the Premier League Liverpool came away with a 2-0 win.
- Tammy Abraham has scored seven goals in his last three top-flight appearances.
- Chelsea are yet to record a single clean sheet in any competition this season.
Conclusion
While Liverpool might be coming off the back of a defeat away in Italy on Tuesday, Jurgen Klopp’s men should see this weekend as a golden chance to extend their winning run in the top-flight. Given Chelsea’s continued issues at the back and still showing some glaring defensive issues, there is no doubt that Mane and co should be looking to enjoy another fruitful afternoon in the final third.
Verdict: Liverpool to score over 1.5 goals
Best Odds: 8/11
Bookmaker: Bet365
- Soccer News Like
- Be the first of your friends!
