Maurizio Sarri handed Jurgen Klopp his first defeat of the season as his Chelsea side beat Liverpool 2-1 to knock them out of the League Cup earlier this week. The Reds, who have won six league games on the trot and a Champions League game against PSG, were clear favourites, playing at Anfield. However, a late striker from Eden Hazard was what separated both teams at the end.
The colours might be the same this weekend, but the entire stage will change as Chelsea host Liverpool in a league tie this weekend, to try and dent their 100% record. The Blues dropped a couple of points at London Stadium last week and would be determined to make amends this week. But Liverpool have looked really strong when in full strength and would not be an easy side to beat.
Sarri may have gotten the better of Liverpool earlier this week but this league tie, where Liverpool would go full strength, might be the biggest test of his Chelsea stint. As for Liverpool, they have not won any of the last three games against the Blues and Klopp would be desperate to set things right this weekend.
Both managers will firmly believe that their sides are in the hunt for the Premier League title this season. And a positive result in this game could go a long way in deciding who stays in the race for the title longer. Here is the team news, predicted lineups, predictions and betting odds for this mouth-watering clash.
Team News
Chelsea:
The Blues are still without the services of Antonio Rudiger and Ruben Loftus-Cheek, both of who are nursing what looks like long-term injuries. Pedro picked up a knock recently, and so did Andreas Christensen, and neither player would be risked in the starting XI this weekend. Marko van Ginkel remains the only other absentee ahead of this game for Sarri.
Expected Lineup (4-3-3):
Kepa; Alonso, Luiz, Cahill, Azpilicueta; Jorginho, Kante, Kovacic; Hazard, Willian, Giroud
Liverpool:
The Reds have no new injury issues to worry about, ahead of this game. Divock Origi and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain are long-term absentees and will miss this game. Adam Lallana is back in training but will not make the squad this weekend. Virgil van Dijk bruised his rib in the game against Southampton and Klopp revealed that he yet to be back in training. He will be a massive loss if he fails to make it to the starting XI.
Expected lineup (4-3-3):
Alisson; Robertson, Matip/Virgil van Dijk, Gomez, TAA; Henderson, Wijnaldum, Milner; Mane, Salah, Firmino
Betting Odds:
Chelsea: 9/5
Draw: 13/5
Liverpool: 31/20
Predictions: Chelsea 1-3 Liverpool
