Sunday the 20th of October sees the reds come up against a rejuvenated and dangerous Chelsea team.
After the rollercoaster ride that the Blues had last season, a free flowing and attacking style of play has led to a good start to the season for Enzo Maresca and his team. Liverpool and Arne Slot’s second big test this season, with the Reds still looking like solid title contenders.
Form
Liverpool Last Five Games (All Comps): W, W, W, W, W
Chelsea Last Five Games (All Comps): D, W, W, W, W
Going into the game both teams are unbeaten in their last five games with Chelsea drawing 1-1 with Nottingham Forest in the game before the international break.
Liverpool have conceded just two goals in their last five games, with Chelsea letting five in, in as many games.
Liverpool
As we all now know Slot’s Liverpool is a well-constructed attacking force, with the solid foundations of an elite defensive partnership. Going into this game however, it looks as if it could be a clash of similar styles.
The precise, patient style that Slot looks to use could be dangerous yet vital for Liverpool in this game.
Building from the back is what Arne Slot wants to do and could be made more difficult for the next 4-5 weeks with Alisson picking up the hamstring injury in Liverpool’s last game against Palace.
With Caoimhin Kelleher in his place, it is a very capable replacement for Liverpool.
Looking further forward it looks like it should be as we were in defence, midfield and attack, with Endo, who missed Japan’s game against Australia due to illness, and Fede Chiesa potentially missing out with a knock.
In regards to Liverpool’s previous lineup, I would think Andy Robertson and Szobo will both be reclaiming their places in the Starting XI with Slot having a big decision to make at LW, between Lucho and Gakpo.
In the game I believe that the attacking midfield position will be vital for Liverpool. Szobo has had a good start to the season.
His technical and physical abilities could prove huge against a Chelsea midfield that may not be able to match the athleticism the Hungarian possess’.
Chelsea
Under new Manager Maresca, Chelsea have been a different animal, with consistency being the major change from last season.
A disciple of Pep Guardiola, having coached at Man City, during the Pep tenure. A similar philosophy to Slot at Liverpool, when it comes to the build-up play they both like to use.
Having the back line bring the opposition onto them trying to create an overload in midfield with line breaking passes.
However, when moving further forward with the ball there are differences between the teams, Maresca has been utilizing his full-backs infield instead of having them provide the width.
Something to keep in mind though, one of Chelsea’s recognized first-team left-backs is out and another is a doubt for this game.
Ben Chilwell having only played one half of football and Cucurella serving a suspension. Another player who is serving a suspension is Centre-back, Wesley Fofana. Having to replace two first team regulars at the back could play nicely into Liverpool’s hands.
Another aspect of the Chelsea team is the abundance of attacking talent the team has, with Cole Palmer, Christopher Nkunku, Noni Madueke and Pedro Neto to name a few.
The counter-pressing and counter-attacking could be vital in this game for both teams, but with Liverpool at home and wanting to retain the ball, Chelsea may be planning to utilize the pace of Neto and Madueke, using the 4-2-4 setup that many teams, including Chelsea and Liverpool have used so far this season.
Palmer is the obvious danger in the team, the Englishman being second to Erling Haaland in terms of goal contributions since the start of last season, with Palmer’s incredible 51 goals and assists in just 54 games. Alongside a finisher like Nkunku or Jackson Palmer’s numbers will only be getting better.