Prediction: Chelsea vs Liverpool

Verdict: Both teams to score – yes

Best Odds: 4/7

Bookmaker: Bet365

Premier League weekend action kicks off with a bang on Friday as Antonio Conte’s high-flying Chelsea prepare to welcome Jurgen Klopp’s self-confident Liverpool in what is likely to be yet another feisty contest between the two rivals.

Chelsea

Antonio Conte’s direct approach was seen as a welcoming change at the Stamford Bridge club and the Italian has received widespread plaudits for his early work with the Blues. Described as the “Pep Guardiola of Juventus” by none other than Jurgen Klopp, the temperamental Italian manager has gone on to rejuvenate Chelsea and make them exciting once again thanks to his dedicated work. The 2016-17 season started quite well for Chelsea who notched a string of hard-fought, enthusiastic performances and four successive victories which came as a huge morale boost for the boys in Blue. Their winning streak has been intercepted however last week with a 2-2 draw at Swansea which left Chelsea second in the table behind Manchester City. Conte was not happy with referee’s decision he felt have done his team wrong and the Italian will surely urge his men to make a response and swiftly return to winning ways against Liverpool. Duels against Red have become quite the contested affairs and with two huge tempers on the touchline nothing different in expected this time out.

Team News

Antonio Conte will have to do without captain John Terry, who will be out for ten days with ligament injury he sustained during the 2-2 draw with Swansea at Liberty Stadium.

Home side will also be without Kourt Zouma and Marco van Ginkel, who are ruled out for the occasion.

Liverpool

The trip to Stamford Bridge is just another stern test for Jurgen Klopp’s team early in the season. Four of Reds’ five duels came against teams considered to be title contenders, and four of those were played on the road due to Anfield construction of the new stand. Despite the unfortunate disadvantages, Reds managed to do fairly well, collecting 10 points in total ahead of their trip to Stamford Bridge. The comprehensive 4-1 triumph over reigning Premier League champions Leicester City was a timely boost to team’s confidence ahead of the highly anticipated clash with Chelsea and there is no doubt that Jurgen Klopp will urge his men to continue with strong, confident performances against the high-profile rivals. Reds have been quite an exciting team to watch this year with Jurgen Klopp making his side an attacking machine of sort. Liverpool have plundered 50 goals in 2016, more than any other Premier League side which is another proof of Jurgen Klopp’s influence on the team.

Team News

Out of favour Mamadou Sakho is unavailable through Achilles injury, which is the same problem that is bothering Joe Gomez.

Emre Can shook off his ankle injury, but Jurgen Klopp chose to rest him as the Germany international has been deemed not fit enough. Defender Dejan Lovren has sustained an eye injury and could be left out of the squad as well.

Key Factors to Consider

• Chelsea scored at least 1 goal in teach of their last 9 matches
• Liverpool have plundered 50 goals in 2016, more than any other EPL side
• Blues are unbeaten at their Stamford Bridge since May 2016
• Reds won only 1 of their last 7 trips to London
• Liverpool played 4 of the total 5 games of the new season away from Anfield

Conclusion

Two temperamental characters on the touchline are enough of a guarantee that we are in for a treat at Stamford Bridge. Known as two managers who wear their heart on the sleeve, both Conte and Klopp are ready to make their own stamp in the game that will be just the latest instalment of the volatile history between the two sides. All we can predict is an openly contested match and an entertaining performance at Stamford Bridge.

Verdict: Both teams to score – yes

Best Odds: 4/7

Bookmaker: Bet365