The Rematch – Chelsea FC v Liverpool FC
Jürgen Klopp takes his squad down to London today for the late Premier League kick-off at Stamford Bridge to face Chelsea. Given the result on Tuesday that took Liverpool out of the League Cup, this game takes on that little bit of extra significance.
Overview
This is arguably the game of the weekend. Both sides have a 100% record although Liverpool, have not lost whereas Chelsea were held to a draw last time out against West Ham.
Jürgen Klopp will be reeling from Wednesday’s loss that reset their impressive run of undefeated home games. Liverpool will rue the chances they had to put the game out of sight of their visitors. This time around the challenge will be equally as difficult.
I’m sure Liverpool have figured out Chelsea’s game but being away from home, the Reds must be at their best and maintain a high level of concentration in order to get anything out of this game.
Line-Ups
Virgil van Dijk hasn’t trained since being substituted against Southampton last week and will be assessed before the game. His presence was sorely missed last time out as Joel Matip and Dejan Lovren lacked his leadership qualities. The attack faired well against Chelsea’s but for me, the defence wasn’t up to scratch.
Trent Alexander-Arnold and Gini Wijnaldum should both be available and this should be good news. Personally, I’d start the Dutchman ahead of captain Jordan Henderson because he’s a more intelligent player and is far less emotional.
#CHELIV ⚽
5.30pm ⏰
Stamford Bridge 🌉Predictions? 🤔 pic.twitter.com/aUG8si8SfO
— Liverpool FC News (@LivEchoLFC) September 29, 2018
Alexander-Arnold, on the other hand, will provide more substance in the right full back position. Nathaniel Clyne, whilst not having a bad game on Wednesday, looked a bit ring-rusty against Eden Hazard and Álvaro Morata.
Chelsea will have Andreas Christensen, Pedro and Ruben Loftus-Cheek Cheek should all be available after missing the midweek encounter. Maurizio Sarri will have been buoyed by his team’s performance in the week.
He knows, however, that this is a different game. A different place on a different day. Wednesday’s result counts for nothing. He knows his visitors will be hell-bent on revenge so he knows the performance must be even better than the last if they’re to get three points today.
Head to Head
Stanford Bridge has not been the happiest of venues for Liverpool. That said, it’s not been a total disaster scene. The results from the last five games at Chelsea read: P5; W2; L2; D1. Those stats tell us that this game could go either way.
In the 🔴 corner for @LFC…@JHenderson bends one into the top corner from 30 yards out 🤯 👏 #CHELIV pic.twitter.com/Tgs1Wue2Dg
— Premier League (@premierleague) September 28, 2018
Prediction
I don’t do predictions, as you know. However, as a suggestion, I can see this one being a draw. 1-1 after 90 minutes for me, Jeff. As always I’m happy to be wrong and have Liverpool win.
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