Liverpool vs Chelsea: Preview, Predictions, and Lineups

The Premier League showcases a thrilling encounter this weekend at Anfield as league leaders Liverpool take on fourth-placed Chelsea. Both teams enter the clash in great form, setting the stage for a fiercely competitive fixture between two of England’s biggest clubs.

Liverpool, who have been on an unbeaten streak across competitions, are displaying exceptional consistency under new manager Arne Slot. Meanwhile, Enzo Maresca’s Chelsea are beginning to show glimpses of their potential but will face their sternest challenge yet. This game is pivotal for both sides, not just in terms of points, but also for shaping early-season narratives.

Tactical Overview: A Clash of Styles

This matchup brings a fascinating tactical battle between two coaches relatively new to the English top flight. Slot has taken over seamlessly from Jurgen Klopp, maintaining the high-pressing philosophy but adding more fluidity to the midfield and attack. Under his leadership, Liverpool’s structure has become more dynamic, with greater emphasis on technical players in advanced positions.

In contrast, Maresca’s Chelsea is built on tactical flexibility, where midfield rotations play a key role. His system prioritizes fluid possession and quick ball recovery. However, Chelsea’s backline is still a work in progress, with key suspensions forcing personnel adjustments for this crucial game.

Recent Form and Head-to-Head

Liverpool enter the match with six consecutive wins across competitions. Their victories have included dominant displays over Wolves, West Ham, and Crystal Palace. They are brimming with confidence, scoring freely while remaining defensively robust. Chelsea, on the other hand, are unbeaten in their last seven matches. Their attack has looked sharp, with recent high-scoring wins against Brighton and Gent. Yet, defensive vulnerabilities remain a concern, especially when facing top-tier opponents.

Historically, these two teams have shared competitive encounters, with Liverpool having the upper hand in recent meetings. The last five games between them have seen the Reds win twice, while the other three ended in draws. Chelsea haven’t beaten Liverpool since 2021, and their last visit to Anfield ended in defeat.

Team News

Liverpool

The hosts will be without Alisson Becker, who is sidelined with another injury setback. Caoimhin Kelleher will step in as goalkeeper, a role he has performed admirably in Alisson’s absence. Liverpool will also be missing Harvey Elliott, who is recovering from a broken foot, while Wataru Endo and Federico Chiesa are doubtful due to illness and a minor knock, respectively.

Despite these absences, Liverpool’s core lineup remains intact. The backline, featuring Trent Alexander-Arnold, Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konate, and Andrew Robertson, is expected to remain unchanged. In midfield, Ryan Gravenberch and Alexis Mac Allister have been crucial under Slot’s system, offering a blend of creativity and control. Up front, the trio of Mohamed Salah, Luis Díaz, and Diogo Jota will pose a significant threat, with Jota likely operating as the central striker in a 4-2-3-1 formation.

Liverpool Predicted Lineup:
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Kelleher; Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Gravenberch, Mac Allister; Salah, Szoboszlai, Díaz; Jota

Chelsea

Chelsea welcome back captain Reece James from a hamstring injury, but Maresca has indicated that James will likely feature off the bench to manage his workload. Malo Gusto is expected to start at right-back in his place. Chelsea are also without suspended defenders Wesley Fofana and Marc Cucurella, which means Tosin Adarabioyo and Renato Veiga are likely to start in defense alongside Levi Colwill.

Chelsea’s attack will rely heavily on midfield support from Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo, who are becoming pivotal in Maresca’s system. The forward line is expected to feature Noni Madueke, Cole Palmer, and Jadon Sancho, with Nicolas Jackson leading the line. Chelsea’s ability to counter Liverpool’s high press will be key to their success, but they’ll need to be clinical to make the most of any chances that come their way.

Chelsea Predicted Lineup:
Formation: 4-3-3
Sanchez; Gusto, Adarabioyo, Colwill, Veiga; Fernandez, Caicedo; Madueke, Palmer, Sancho; Jackson

Key Battles

Midfield Control:
The midfield battle between Liverpool’s Mac Allister and Chelsea’s Fernandez will be fascinating. Both players are technically gifted and possess the vision to unlock defenses. Liverpool’s ability to press and disrupt Chelsea’s passing rhythm will be critical in dictating the tempo.

Alexander-Arnold vs. Sancho:
The duel on Liverpool’s right flank will feature Trent Alexander-Arnold against Jadon Sancho. Alexander-Arnold’s attacking prowess is well known, but he’ll need to be cautious of Sancho’s pace and dribbling ability on the counter.

Salah vs. Chelsea’s Defense:
Mohamed Salah remains Liverpool’s primary goal threat, and his duel with Levi Colwill will be pivotal. Salah’s movement between the lines and ability to cut inside will test Chelsea’s defensive organization.

Tactical Outlook

Liverpool are likely to dominate possession and apply early pressure, aiming to pin Chelsea back and force mistakes. Slot’s system encourages quick transitions and fluid combinations, particularly involving Salah and Díaz on the wings.

Chelsea will aim to absorb pressure and exploit Liverpool’s high defensive line with quick counters. Maresca might deploy Palmer in a more creative role to link midfield and attack, while Jackson’s pace will be crucial in stretching Liverpool’s defense.

Match Prediction

This game promises to be a tightly contested affair, with both teams showcasing their distinct styles. Liverpool’s home advantage and superior form suggest they are slight favorites, but Chelsea’s ability to disrupt with counterattacks will keep them in the game.

Liverpool’s consistency, coupled with their impressive home record, gives them the edge. However, Chelsea’s recent resurgence means they are unlikely to be overwhelmed. A narrow Liverpool win seems the most likely outcome, with the Reds taking advantage of Chelsea’s defensive reshuffle.

Prediction: Liverpool 2-1 Chelsea

How to Watch

The match will take place at Anfield on Sunday, October 20, with kick-off scheduled for 16:30 BST. Fans in the United Kingdom can watch the game on Sky Sports Premier League, while viewers in the United States can tune in via fuboTV or the NBC Sports app.

This encounter between Liverpool and Chelsea has all the ingredients of a classic Premier League fixture. With both teams in good form and plenty at stake, fans can expect an entertaining and high-quality match at Anfield.