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Chelsea host Liverpool in the Premier League’s biggest clash of the weekend and it looks set to be an exciting encounter. Both managers insist upon imprinting their style of play on the opposition, both teams have scored exactly 14 top flight goals in six games and from what we’ve seen so far this term, if anybody is to stop Manchester City retaining the Premier League title it will be one of these two clubs.
So, will Liverpool continue their perfect run of top flight victories, will Chelsea suffer their first defeat of the campaign and could a match between two sides so offensively-minded counter-intuitively end up being something of a stalemate? This week’s experts, Llion Carbis from Chelsea FanCast and former Live4Liverpool editor George Dagless, share their thoughts and predictions ahead of Saturday’s 5.30pm kickoff…
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This encounter comes with an unusual dynamic in that it will be the second time Chelsea and Liverpool have faced each other in a matter of days, after clashing in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday night. The Reds looked well on course for victory until the final 15 minutes, when Emerson Palmeiri popped up with an unlikely equaliser and Eden Hazard capped off a cameo appearance with an early goal of the season contender. Chelsea now progress to the next round of the competition at the Anfield outfit’s expense.
Following that late capitulation, are there issues for Jurgen Klopp to address before Saturday’s game?
George: “There needs to be better concentration but I think we’ll see that from a defence that will be much more used to playing together than the one fielded on Wednesday. What he’ll surely have learned is that Hazard is Chelsea’s main threat by a long way and nullifying him will boost our chances greatly. He needs attention at all times, though, as before his goal he was pretty quiet to be honest.
“Cesc Fabregas ran the show in the first half in particular, so if he or Jorginho play in that deep playmaker role the pressing has to be much better. It should be, though, given that, again, a more familiar set of players will be in the line-up.”
And were there any fringe players who impressed enough on Wednesday to warrant a start this weekend?
George: “I don’t think many really lodged a real claim to be honest. Nathaniel Clyne was solid and Xherdan Shaqiri again had a good game but I can’t really see many of them getting into the side. The defence, in particular, highlighted how far the Reds have come first-team-wise in the last few years and we’ll revert to that at Stamford Bridge. The squad has improved for sure but the game did show, to at least some extent, there’s still a bit of a way to go.”
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Llion: “I suspect that Mateo Kovacic will start again on Saturday, and given his performances since joining the club, I think he’s worthy of maintaining his place in our starting eleven. With regards to our rotation options, I don’t envisage that any will start in the league. This isn’t a dismissal of their performances on Wednesday night, instead, an acknowledgement of the significance of the league game. Although the cup triumph and the manner in which we won the game was brilliant, Saturday is the important one.”
What should Chelsea be looking to replicate from that performance, or will the dynamics of the match be completely different in the Premier League at Stamford Bridge?
Llion: “If Hazard maintains his magnificent form, one could argue that the game could follow the same course, with his unbelievable talents leading us to another treasured victory. That said, I suspect the game will differ, I don’t think that Liverpool will be as wasteful in front of goal with the return of their recognised stars. Similarly, I don’t envisage that we would allow them to dominate possession and dictate the game’s flow as they did during the second half on Wednesday.”
Speaking of Hazard, the Chelsea talisman has been virtually unplayable during the opening weeks of the new season. He seems completely rejuvenated by not only helping fire Belgium to their best-ever finish at a World Cup, but also the change in philosophy Maurizio Sarri has brought to Stamford Bridge after seemingly growing weary of Antonio Conte’s pragmatic tactics. Five goals and two assists in just four Premier League starts speaks for itself – although West Ham managed to keep Hazard quiet last weekend by cutting off the supply lines and forcing play down the opposite flank.
Do Liverpool need to devise a similar plan to contain Hazard, or should they concentrate on their own game instead?
George: “They could try it but – and this is with all due respect to West Ham who were excellent and could have won the game – the Reds are much better equipped to impose their own plan instead of just stopping the opposition. Of course, it would be foolish to ignore Hazard and his talent, he’s world class, but obsessing over stopping him and the Blues’ other attacking threats isn’t Klopp’s or Liverpool’s style.
“In the past year or so we’ve shown we can turn up anywhere, against any side and play our way and win games. I can’t see any increased compromise or adjustment happening than usual for a game of this magnitude from Klopp. The belief in our attack and now improved defence dictates that. Absolutely, keep a keen eye on him at all times as I said earlier but remember we’ve got more than enough firepower and threat of our own if we play our way.”
“We can improve. At the moment, for me, Liverpool and Man City are better than us. Manchester City and Liverpool are another step up to us but I think we can improve. Our goal is to be the best team in England but it will take time. It could take more than a season but that is our target.”
Chelsea have already made phenomenal progress under Sarri, especially considering how greatly the style of football has changed and the shape of the team along with it, but by the Blues gaffer’s own admission his side are still a few shades behind Liverpool and Manchester City right now – widely viewed as the two clubs who will be battling out for the Premier League title.
Do you agree that Liverpool are a better team than Chelsea at this moment in time?
Llion: “Practice makes perfect. I don’t subscribe to the notion that Liverpool are a better team. Personally, I feel that Sarri – once again – is stressing that Liverpool and Manchester City’s styles are established. Both Klopp and Pep Guardiola have had time to refine, to revise, to perfect their systems, and you can see that their teams are reaping the benefits. Sarri is merely emphasising that there’s still work to be done to reach the stage of progression that both Liverpool and City have achieved.”
Where will this game be lost and won?
Llion: “With both teams looking to control possession, I believe the game will be decided by the team that makes more effective use of the ball. Despite seeing the ball for the majority of the game, we failed to penetrate West Ham in our previous league match, and arguably, they had the best opportunities to win. Sarri’s footballing mentality requires incisive passing, high-intensity and the ability to make correct judgements. If we can emulate the attacking performances that were on display against the likes of Arsenal, Cardiff and Huddersfield, then I’m faithful we’ll triumph on Saturday.”
George: “The dynamic between Jorginho at the base of Chelsea’s midfield and the Liverpool trio pressing on him intrigues me and could be pivotal. I expect him to start and be chief playmaker and, again, if the Reds sit off him as they did Fabregas they’re asking for trouble. I don’t expect that to happen, though, and so it’ll be interesting to see how the man signed from Naples deals with it.
“He’s a player I admire for his bravery to constantly get on the ball and if he can start running the show the Blues could win it, but if he’s harassed and harried the Reds could simply overrun things. Chelsea are playing a more possession-based game but aren’t at Man City’s level. Liverpool should get plenty of chances from interceptions and the high press.”
And finally chaps, let’s hear your score predictions…
George: “I’m quietly confident. I think Chelsea are a good side and are title contenders but I don’t think they are quite where Sarri wants to get them yet. Liverpool will be back to full strength and at their aggressive, tenacious best. I just think they’ll force the Blues into too many errors. 2-1 to the away side.”
Llion: “2-1 to Chelsea.”
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