Verdict: Home win
Best odds: 57/100
Bookmaker: ZetBet
Premier League football has resumed after the international break, with a blockbuster showdown as Liverpool face Chelsea at Anfield set to take place on Sunday afternoon.
The Reds currently top the table following a 1-0 victory against Crystal Palace before the break, while the Blues were held to a 1-1 draw by Nottingham Forest.
Liverpool
Liverpool head coach Arne Slot has been breaking records since taking over from Jurgen Klopp, and the former Feyenoord manager secured his eighth win in nine matches two weekends ago at Selhurst Park.
An early goal from Diogo Jota sealed the victory, though the win was overshadowed by a serious injury to long-serving goalkeeper Alisson Becker. Vitezslav Jaros, a 23-year-old debutant, guarded the net for the remainder of the narrow triumph.
Despite sitting atop the standings for two weeks, Liverpool could’ve slipped to second had Arsenal beaten Bournemouth on Saturday, but the Gunners suffered a surprise defeat at the Vitality. Still, a Manchester City victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers on Sunday could push them down before kick-off.
However, Slot’s side will focus on securing a seventh consecutive win across all competitions. Defensively, they’ve remained solid, conceding only two goals in the Premier League so far. Additionally, Liverpool have allowed just 5.2 Expected Goals (xG) across their seven top-flight games, but their resilient backline will face a stern challenge from Chelsea’s prolific attack on Sunday.
Team News
Alisson is expected to be out until after the November international break. Caoimhin Kelleher will step in, having missed the Selhurst Park win due to illness.
The Brazilian goalkeeper joins Harvey Elliott, sidelined with a foot fracture, while there is still no update on Federico Chiesa’s condition. However, even if fit, the former Juventus player is unlikely to start over Mohamed Salah, who returned early from international duty.
Slot also revealed in his press conference that the team is dealing with “some issues” from the international break, so it wouldn’t be surprising if some of the South American players are rested. Curtis Jones and Cody Gakpo could step in for Alexis Mac Allister and Luis Diaz, respectively, if need be.
Chelsea
After becoming just the fourth manager in Premier League history to win their first four away games, Arne Slot could see his opposite number, Enzo Maresca, join that exclusive group by halting Liverpool’s momentum this weekend.
Chelsea might have sought advice from Nottingham Forest – Liverpool’s only conquerors this season – a fortnight ago, but their own thrilling contest with the Tricky Trees at Stamford Bridge turned into chaos over 105 unforgettable minutes.
Goals from Chris Wood and Noni Madueke resulted in a draw, ending Chelsea’s five-game winning streak. However, the match belonged to the goalkeepers, as Robert Sanchez and Matz Sels – Forest’s final line of defence after going down to 10 men – produced brilliant saves to secure a point for their teams.
Even a win wouldn’t have lifted Chelsea from fourth place in the Premier League, but the Blues head to Merseyside with the league’s second-best attack, having scored 16 goals, just one behind Manchester City.
The visitors, whose boss Maresca and player Cole Palmer clinched September’s Manager and Player of the Month awards, could win their first four away games of a top-flight season for the first time since 2008/09. However, their nine-game winless streak against Liverpool, who last lost to Chelsea in March 2021, casts a shadow over their hopes.
Team News
While James Ward-Prowse’s red card grabbed the spotlight in Chelsea’s match against Nottingham Forest, the Blues also incurred two suspensions of their own. Wesley Fofana and Marc Cucurella both received their fifth yellow cards of the season and will be unavailable for the clash at Anfield.
Cucurella’s suspension gives Renato Veiga the tough assignment of trying to contain Mohamed Salah, while Axel Disasi and Tosin Adarabioyo will vie for the spot left by Fofana in central defence.
On a positive note, Reece James, who has been plagued by injuries, is back in training after recovering from a hamstring issue sustained in pre-season and is fit for this match. Additionally, Danish goalkeeper Filip Jorgensen appears fine after a brief injury scare during the international break.
Conclusion
This should be a very interesting match. Liverpool are on a great run and will be playing in front of their own supporters, which is never an easy atmosphere for any visitor. Chelsea do have what it takes to score against Liverpool’s resolute defence, but the Reds should be able to outscore the Blues on this occasion.
Verdict: Home win
Best odds: 57/100
Bookmaker: ZetBet
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