Liverpool face Chelsea in weekend’s most anticipated fixture.
Liverpool vs
Chelsea
This weekend's clash at Anfield sees table-topping Liverpool host Chelsea, as the Reds aim to extend their winning streak and maintain their position at the summit amidst a backdrop of historical draws and defensive prowess.
Liverpool
Table-topping Liverpool are set to face Chelsea in one of the weekend's most anticipated games, aiming to extend their winning streak to four matches in a row [WLWWW]. Just before the international break, Liverpool secured a 1-0 victory over Crystal Palace, leaving their opponents among the four Premier League teams still seeking a win.
Liverpool currently lead the table with 18 points [6W, 0D, 1L], one point ahead of 2nd-placed Manchester City and 3rd-placed Arsenal, who both stand at 17 points. As Arsenal prepare for their fixture against Bournemouth, scheduled for Saturday, Liverpool's focus will be on maintaining their top position after Match Week 8.
While Liverpool have remained unbeaten in their last six Premier League encounters with Chelsea, five of these meetings concluded in draws [1W, 5D, 0L]. Arne Slot emphasized the importance of creating and converting chances, highlighting Liverpool's strong attacking lineup ahead of what he predicts to be a fascinating game on Sunday.
Slot anticipates Liverpool's defensive strengths will be crucial against Chelsea, who currently boast the second-best attacking record in the league. The Reds have conceded the fewest goals [2] and kept the most clean sheets [5]. A 4–2–3–1 formation with Diogo Jota leading the attack is expected.
Chelsea
Chelsea avoided defeat in their final game before the break, securing a 1-1 draw with a ten-man Nottingham Forest. The Blues maintained their 4th place position with 14 points [4W, 2D, 1L], extending their unbeaten run to five games [DWWWD].
While aiming to return to winning ways, Chelsea face a challenging task as they have won just one of their last nine Premier League away games against Liverpool [1W, 5D, 3L]. They were defeated 4-1 in this exact fixture last season.
Chelsea will be without defenders Marc Cucurella and Wesley Fofana for their trip to Liverpool due to suspension. However, there is a significant boost as Reece James has returned to training after a long absence due to injury.
"Reece James is available, he is back," said Maresca. "He worked with us over the international break. It's good news, especially for him. Injury is not a good feeling; finally, he is back," he added.
