Liverpool v Chelsea – Preview, Predictions and Best Bets

Liverpool will face Chelsea Arne Slot’s side is at the top of the table, having won nine of their ten matches in all competitions this season. The Blues have won their last five away EPL matches and have drawn seven of their last nine clashes with the Reds.

Liverpool Form

The Reds have won nine of their ten matches this season across all competitions. A superb 3-0 win at Manchester United was followed by a 1-0 defeat at Anfield to Nottingham Forest, where they managed just 0.94 xG. Six successive wins have followed, beginning with a 3-1 away victory over AC Milan (3.09 xG) and a 3-0 home win against Bournemouth.

After a 5-1 home win over West Ham in the Carabao Cup, they won 2-1 at Wolves and secured a 2-0 Champions League victory against Bologna. Before the FIFA break, Liverpool escaped some late chances to win 1-0 at Crystal Palace, outshooting the Eagles 16-9.

Liverpool Team News

Arne Slot may be without Alisson Becker after the goalkeeper suffered a hamstring injury against Crystal Palace. Caoimhin Kelleher is available to start in goal after recovering from a virus that ruled him out at Selhurst Park.

Harvey Elliott remains sidelined, while Federico Chiesa is doubtful. Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk should be fully fresh after sitting out the second fixture of their international duties.

Liverpool Motivation

Liverpool believe they can challenge for the league title this season, and only a win will suffice in this match at Anfield.

The Reds will look to dominate Chelsea but will remain mindful of counter-attacks and the threat posed by Cole Palmer.

Chelsea Form

Chelsea’s current form is strong. They won 6-2 at Wolves before drawing 1-1 at home against Crystal Palace. A 1-0 win at Bournemouth required a penalty save from Robert Sanchez, but they were far more convincing in a 3-0 win at West Ham a week later.

After a 5-0 victory over Barrow in the Carabao Cup, they defeated Brighton 4-2 at home, with Cole Palmer scoring all four goals. Despite making 11 changes to the lineup, they beat Gent 4-2 in the Europa Conference League. Their last match saw a 1-1 home draw against Nottingham Forest, despite having 66% possession, 22 shots, and 2.46 xG.

Chelsea Team News

Enzo Maresca has Reece James back in full training ahead of this match. Marc Cucurella and Wesley Fofana are suspended in defense, with Renato Veiga set to play at left-back. Tosin Adarabioyo and Axel Disasi are competing to start alongside Levi Colwill in central defence.

Further forward, both Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo are expected to start despite their international travels. Jadon Sancho is expected to play on the left, ahead of Pedro Neto.

Chelsea Motivation

The Blues are confident on their travels, having won five consecutive away matches. However, they would likely view a draw at Anfield as a great result.

Chelsea will aim to play their style of football but expect to have around 40% possession and will need to rely on counter-attacks for extended periods.

Key Stats

Liverpool have won 9 of their 10 matches this season (23 goals scored).

Liverpool have drawn 7 of their last 9 meetings with Chelsea.

Liverpool’s last 51 home league matches have seen just 2 losses (39 wins, 10 draws).

Liverpool have scored 22 goals in their last 9 home league matches.

Chelsea have scored 18 goals in their last 7 matches (all competitions).

Chelsea have won their last 5 away league matches.

Chelsea’s Cole Palmer has scored 6 goals this season (27 goals last season).

Verdict

The stats suggest this could end in a draw with several goals, but Chelsea’s two key suspensions in defense could tip the balance in Liverpool’s favor, giving the Reds the edge to take all three points.