Liverpool vs Chelsea: Preview, predictions and lineups

The Premier League’s standout fixture this weekend arrives at Anfield as league leaders Liverpool tackle fourth-place Chelsea.

These two basic rivals have duelled on many an event in latest instances, together with a number of home cup finals all received by the staff in pink.

Sunday’s bout sees two managers new to the English high flight battle it out on the touchline as Arne Slot goes head-to-head with Enzo Maresca. Slot has constructed on the sturdy foundations left by Jurgen Klopp on Merseyside however has undoubtedly imprinted his personal fashion onto this glorious Liverpool staff.

The hosts have received their earlier six outings in all competitions.

Maresca’s Blues are unbeaten in seven, however that is comfortably their greatest check since they had been overwhelmed by Manchester Metropolis on the opening weekend of the season. The Italian boss overcame a tricky pre-season to get pleasure from a affluent begin to his tenure in west London, however this might be an enormous check of their credentials.

Here is 90min’s preview of Sunday’s thrilling Premier League duel at Anfield.

Liverpool vs Chelsea H2H File (Final 5 Video games)

Present type (all competitions)

Alisson has sustained one other damage setback which can as soon as once more thrust Caoimhin Kelleher into the limelight. The Irishman carried out nicely within the Brazilian’s absence final season.

Liverpool are additionally with out Harvey Elliott resulting from a damaged foot, whereas the sick Wataru Endo and Federico Chiesa, who’s mentioned to be carrying a knock, are each doubts.

The Reds’ stellar backline will stay unchanged, as will their formidable and fluid midfield triumvirate which has burst into life beneath Slot. Luis Diaz and Mohamed Salah will function off Diogo Jota up high.

Liverpool predicted lineup vs Chelsea (4-2-3-1): Kelleher; Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Gravenberch, Mac Allister; Salah, Szoboszlai, Diaz; Jota.

The guests acquired an enormous enhance through the break as Reece James made his restoration from a hamstring damage. Maresca confirmed that his captain’s workload might be managed, however he ought to be in competition for Sunday’s recreation.

Malo Gusto is more likely to begin at right-back with James incomes minutes off the bench.

Chelsea are with out suspended duo Wesley Fofana and Marc Cucurella, so there ought to be begins for Tosin Adarabioyo and Renato Veiga in defence.

Chelsea predicted lineup vs Liverpool (4-3-3): Sanchez; Gusto, Tosin, Colwill, Veiga; Fernandez, Caicedo; Madueke, Palmer, Sancho; Jackson.

Slot’s Liverpool are the actual deal. Whether or not they can maintain a title problem is one other matter, however we all know they’re good. Maresca’s Chelsea have additionally proven loads of promise, with the Italian effectively utilising his deep squad, however extra questions undoubtedly encompass the Blues.

The guests have benefitted from a form run and have hardly ever performed away from residence in latest outings. This can be a enormous check, and whereas they should not succumb to a blitz as they did on their earlier Anfield outing, Chelsea are more likely to lose for the primary time within the Premier League because the opening weekend.

Count on the hosts to use a number of holes inside Maresca’s framework in a powerful victory.

Prediction: Liverpool 2-1 Chelsea

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