Chelsea and Liverpool played to two goalless draws in the league last season. Who will claim the early bragging rights as both sides aim for an improved finish to the new season?
Chelsea vs Liverpool
English Premier League
Sunday, 13 August – 17:30
Stamford Bridge
Chelsea
Chelsea have been okay in the Summer Series, and I say that respectfully. They have managed to rotate players and look at various combinations and I’m sure Poch will know the pressure is already on!
There is no secret that the Blues have money to throw around and throw around they did! Wholesale changes were made, uncomfortable calls and maybe at times baffling business in the window have brought us here today, but the reality remains this: Chelsea football club cannot be finishing in the bottom half of the table.
In Liverpool, they meet an old foe, a rival that will no doubt test them, but also come into the game looking to leave with all three points. My only concern for the hosts then is whether they will deal and manage the pace at which Liverpool can attack!
To Win Match
Chelsea 37/20 | Draw 51/20 | Liverpool 27/20
Liverpool
I know I’ve said this before, but I will say it again…Jurgen Klopp and Liverpool have done the best business in the window! Every player they have brought through the door brings something they desperately need! And lest we forget about the likes of Darwin Nunez and Cody Gakpo! Those are two players who will no doubt look to hit their straps this year and are no longer debutants in this competitive and physical league.
The Reds have also seen wholesale changes rendered at Anfield, but I don’t think they are weaker for them! For me, the game is won or lost in midfield and around how quickly either side can attack.
For Liverpool, expect to see out letting from their centre and their front men wanting to isolate Chelsea defenders – I think it could be a magic start for Liverpool (unlike last year!)
Predicted Line-ups
Chelsea: Kepa, James, Silva, Colwill, Chilwell, Gallagher, Fernandez, Sterling, Chukwuemeka, Mudryk, Jackson.
Liverpool: Alisson, Alexander-Arnold, Matip, Van Dyk, Robertson, MacAllister, Jones, Szoboszlai, Salah, Nunez, Gakpo.
Verdict: Liverpool (27/20)
I think Liverpool win this, they are the more complete side at the minute, and I just don’t think Chelsea have a defensive system capable of dealing with Liverpool’s attack whilst also not stifling their own ability to get forward.
I’m not going to get dizzy about it and say punt the Reds with ‘provident fund’ confidence, but…punt the Reds with provident confidence!
