The first blockbuster clash between two of the ‘Big Six’ teams kicks off on the 13th of August, with Chelsea welcoming Liverpool to Stamford Bridge in the first Premier League match of the new season.
After a disappointing previous season, the Blues will aim to start the new campaign strongly by hosting Liverpool on Sunday. Last season, Chelsea finished 12th, while Liverpool secured fifth place, just missing out on Champions League spots.
Mauricio Pochettino’s side has been notably active in the summer transfer market, spending over £150 million and also making around the same amount from sales.
They’ve brought in players like Christopher Nkunku, Axel Disasi, Nicolas Jackson, Lesly Ugochukwu, Robert Sanchez, Angelo, and Diego Moreira.
However, they’ve seen departures including Kai Havertz, Mason Mount, Mateo Kovacic, Kalidou Koulibaly, Christian Pulisic, Edouard Mendy, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Ethan Ampadu, N’Golo Kante, Cesar Azpilicueta, and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
Must Read: Christopher Nkunku likely to miss Chelsea’s season opener against Liverpool
On the other hand, Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool haven’t been as active in the transfer market compared to their opening weekend opponents.
They’ve secured signings like Dominik Szoboszlai and Alexis Mac Allister but have also let go of players like Fabinho, Jordan Henderson, Roberto Firmino, Naby Keita, and James Milner.
Pochettino will have a tricky opponent in his first Premier League match as Chelsea’s coach. Jurgen Klopp’s men haven’t lost in their past 11 Premier League matches (winning 7 and drawing 4).
This sequence began with a goalless draw against Chelsea, marking the sole instance within these 11 games where they didn’t manage to score. The Blues would be high in spirits and will be looking forward to breaking this form.
Chelsea have played in pre-season as compared to Liverpool who have put underwhelming performances in some matches.
However, the Premier League is an entirely different gravy, and both clubs would need to be on their toes if they want to succeed in the upcoming season.
Chelsea vs Liverpool: Head-to-head record
Last meeting between the two sides: Chelsea 0-0 Liverpool
In recent years, the matches between these teams haven’t provided much excitement. The past four encounters have all concluded without any goals being scored.
While the overall recent record favours the Reds, Chelsea have managed only one victory in the last nine matchups across all competitions against their counterparts.
Klopp’s team will be trying to constrict Chelsea’s attack but struggles to generate their own attacking momentum may cost them.
The Blues are still adapting to Mauricio Pochettino’s tactical approach, implying that they might take some time to find their rhythm, potentially resulting in another match with few goals.
Preseason form:
Chelsea form: D, W, W, D, W
Liverpool form: D, W, D, W, L
Chelsea vs Liverpool: Team News
Chelsea:
Chelsea’s upcoming match sees Marcus Bettinelli, Wesley Fofana, and Christopher Nkunku sidelined due to injuries. Also, Benoit Badiashile, Armando Broja, Noni Madueke, and Trevoh Chalobah’s availability remains uncertain.
Predicted line-up: Kepa Arrizabalaga, Reece James, Thiago Silva, Levi Colwill, Ben Chilwell; Conor Gallagher, Enzo Fernandez; Raheem Sterling, Carney Chukwuemeka, Mykhailo Mudryk; Nicolas Jackson.
Liverpool:
In the Red’s camp, Alexis Mac Allister sustained a knee injury in pre-season but is expected to recover for the London trip. Meanwhile, Thiago Alcantara and Stefan Bajcetic’s participation in the match is doubtful.
Predicted line-up: Alisson Becker; Trent Alexander-Arnold, Ibrahima Konate, Virgil van Dijk, Andy Robertson; Curtis Jones, Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai; Mohammed Salah, Darwin Nunez, Diogo Jota.
Our Match Prediction:
Chelsea are eager for a strong beginning to the new season, but they’re facing a tough opponent. Klopp’s team have shown improvement in the transfer market, and the Blues have also made significant improvements.
Hence, we could see fresh faces on the pitch and a tight encounter between the two sides. The outcome will likely result in a draw as points are shared.
Our Final Scoreline: Chelsea 1-1 Liverpool
