Liverpool vs. Chelsea Preview: A blockbuster Premier League battle!

As the Premier League resumes following the second international break of the season, all eyes turn to Anfield for a thrilling clash between Liverpool and Chelsea in Matchweek 8. Both teams enter this highly anticipated matchup in top form, making this a pivotal early-season test for two title hopefuls.

Arne Slot’s Liverpool have set the pace in the league, leading the table after winning six of their first seven matches and nine of ten in all competitions. The Reds’ early dominance has been built on a solid defensive foundation, with Slot’s tactical acumen shining through in each match. Yet, this encounter promises to be one of their toughest challenges so far.

On the other side, Enzo Maresca’s Chelsea are proving to be an attacking force under their new manager. Despite a setback in their opening fixture against Manchester City, the Blues have since gone unbeaten, recording four wins in their last six matches. With 16 goals scored, Chelsea trail only City in the goal-scoring charts, showcasing their revitalized offensive flair.

? OFFICIAL ?

Chelsea announces that Nicolas Jackson has signed a two-year contract extension, keeping him at the club until 2033 ?✍️ pic.twitter.com/4kdExJp5VP

— 365Scores (@365Scores) September 13, 2024

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Team News:

Liverpool

Liverpool head coach Arne Slot faces a few fitness concerns ahead of this crucial clash. Midfielders Alexis Mac Allister and Wataru Endo, as well as full-back Kostas Tsimikas, are all doubts for the match, with their availability uncertain as they recover from knocks sustained before the international break. In goal, Alisson Becker remains sidelined, but there is a boost for the Reds as backup goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher is set to return after overcoming an illness, offering Slot a reliable option between the posts.

Chelsea

Chelsea will be without key defensive options Wesley Fofana and Marc Cucurella, as both players are serving one-match suspensions for this fixture. However, there’s a positive update for the Blues with Reece James fit and available after his recovery from a hamstring injury. The Chelsea captain could make his first appearance of the season, providing a significant boost to their defensive and attacking options on the right flank as Enzo Maresca looks to continue his team’s strong run of form.

Key Players:

Liverpool – Trent Alexander-Arnold

With Mohamed Salah not boasting the most prolific record against Chelsea—just four goals in 18 appearances—Liverpool may need inspiration from other sources. Trent Alexander-Arnold is the player to watch, having already created five big chances this season and showcasing his sharpness and creativity from the right flank. Amid heavy speculation linking him with a move to Real Madrid next summer, this is a prime opportunity for Alexander-Arnold to reaffirm his commitment to the Reds and demonstrate his value. His influence, both defensively and offensively, could be pivotal in breaking down Chelsea’s backline and asserting Liverpool’s dominance in this key fixture.

Relying on the player's desire to join!

Real Madrid are closing in on another huge free transfer as they move closer to signing Trent Alexander-Arnold. pic.twitter.com/jVy1GvC6kM

— 365Scores (@365Scores) October 15, 2024

Chelsea – Cole Palmer

Cole Palmer has emerged as one of Chelsea’s most exciting talents, with an impressive 44 goal involvements (28 goals, 16 assists) in his first 40 Premier League appearances. His numbers rival some of the league’s elite, with only Erling Haaland (43 goals, nine assists for Man City), Andy Cole (34 goals, 13 assists for Newcastle), and Mohamed Salah (34 goals, 11 assists for Liverpool) recording as many goal contributions in their first 40 league games for a single club.

Since his debut for Chelsea in September 2023, Palmer’s 16 assists are unmatched in the league, level only with Bukayo Saka. His sensational four first-half goals against Brighton three weeks ago highlight his growing influence. As Chelsea aim to secure a top-four finish and return to Champions League football, Palmer’s contributions will be crucial, and a standout performance against Liverpool would signal the Blues’ serious intentions this season.

OFFICIAL?
Cole Palmer wins the Premier League Player of the Month for September!? pic.twitter.com/HNjPRqi2Mk

— 365Scores (@365Scores) October 11, 2024

Key Statistics:

• Liverpool have lost just two of their last 19 meetings against Chelsea since their three consecutive league defeats between 2013 and 2014 (W7, D10).
• Chelsea are winless in their last nine matches against Liverpool in all competitions since a 1-0 league victory at Anfield in March 2021 (D7, L2).
• Two of the draws during this period resulted in Liverpool winning on penalties in cup finals.
• Chelsea have won only one of their last nine Premier League away games against Liverpool (D5, L3).
• Arne Slot is the first Liverpool manager to win nine of his first 10 matches in charge in all competitions.
• Liverpool’s six league wins this season have all come against teams starting the weekend in the bottom half of the table.
• The Reds could keep six clean sheets in their first eight matches of a league campaign for the first time in their history.
• Arne Slot’s Liverpool have conceded the fewest goals (two), kept the most clean sheets (five), and recorded the lowest expected goals against (5.2) of any Premier League side this season.
• Chelsea aim to win their first four away games of a league season for the third time in their history, after achieving it in 2005-06 (four) and 2008-09 (eight).
• Enzo Maresca could become only the fifth manager to win each of his first four away Premier League games, with Arne Slot being one of the previous four to achieve this.
• The Blues have lost just two of their last 22 Premier League matches.
• Cole Palmer has contributed directly to 44 goals in his first 40 Premier League appearances for Chelsea (28 goals, 16 assists).
• Palmer’s tally is only surpassed by Erling Haaland (43 goals, nine assists for Man City), Andy Cole (34 goals, 13 assists for Newcastle), and Mohamed Salah (34 goals, 11 assists for Liverpool) in the same period for a single club.
• Since making his Premier League debut for Chelsea in September 2023, no player has provided more assists than Cole Palmer’s 16, which is level with Bukayo Saka.
• Chelsea’s most recent league victory at Anfield came in March 2021, when they won 1-0.
• Arne Slot’s defensive record for Liverpool this season shows they’ve kept five clean sheets in eight games.
• Liverpool have been particularly dominant at Anfield against Chelsea, with the Blues struggling to secure wins in recent visits.
• Enzo Maresca’s Chelsea side aims to continue their strong away form, which has seen them unbeaten in their first three away matches this season.
• The lowest expected goals against figure (5.2) in the Premier League this season belongs to Liverpool under Arne Slot.

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By Nicky Helfgott – NickyHelfgott1 on X (Twitter)

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