Antonio Conte’s men extended their unbeaten run to four matches against Swansea City last time out, although a 2-2 draw at the Liberty Stadium meant their 100 per cent winning record came to an end. Chelsea were a little unlucky to pick up just a single point in south Wales, with the visitors creating the better goal-scoring chances and dominating for long periods, but there is still plenty to be positive about given their strong start to the season – particularly as the 2015/16 campaign was such a disastrous year, with the Blues only managing a 10th-place finish in the top flight.
Liverpool have also begun the campaign well, notwithstanding a surprise 2-0 defeat by Burnley in gameweek two. Seven points have been amassed from tough clashes away to Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur and at home to Leicester City, with the Reds playing some superb football in their 4-1 victory over the champions last weekend. It remains to be seen whether Jurgen Klopp’s charges have shaken off the inconsistency which plagued them throughout 2015/16, but the early signs are certainly positive as Liverpool attempt to return to the top four after a disappointing eighth-place finish last year.
Chelsea will have to make do without captain John Terry for Friday’s encounter, with summer signing David Luiz set to come into the heart of the backline in his place. Former Bolton Wanderers and Sunderland defender Marcos Alonso could also slot in at left-back after his move from Fiorentina, but the midfield and forward areas of the team are likely to be unchanged, with N’Golo Kante, Oscar and Nemanja Matic in the engine room and Eden Hazard and Willian flanking lone centre-forward Diego Costa.
Liverpool, meanwhile, could welcome back Dejan Lovren into their back four, with stand-in centre-back Lucas Leiva looking extremely shaky in an unfamiliar position against Leicester. Philippe Coutinho was left on the substitutes’ bench in that match and could miss out again given the strength of Liverpool’s performance, although the fact that the Brazil international is capable of conjuring a moment of magic from nothing may persuade Klopp to find a place for him. Emre Can could be involved after shaking off an injury, although this game has probably come a little too soon for a spot in the XI.
Taking everything into account, it is probably worth backing Liverpool to come out on top against Chelsea this weekend. Klopp’s side often raise their game against stronger opposition, while their high-tempo and high-pressing style of play is also easier to implement when they face teams who try to dominate possession. A 2-1 Liverpool victory could therefore be the way to go in this clash at Stamford Bridge, with Roberto Firmino a good choice for first goalscorer. Over 2.5 goals to be netted in total is another option given that Liverpool’s matches have been very high-scoring of late.
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