Chelsea vs Liverpool
Date: 22/09/2019
K/O: 16:30
Venue: Stamford Bridge
Referee: Michael Oliver
TV: Sky Sports Main Event
Premier League leaders Liverpool travel to West London on Sunday to take on Chelsea in a rematch of the UEFA Super Cup Final last month.
Both Frank Lampard and Jurgen Klopp will be demanding a response from their players after disappointing defeats in the Champions League on Tuesday. Chelsea were sluggish in their 1-0 loss at home to Valencia, while Liverpool were on the receiving end of a dodgy penalty decision and a rare Virgil van Dijk error on their way to losing 2-0 at Napoli.
In the previous contest between the sides in that Super Cup Final, Liverpool emerged victorious in the penalty shootout after the match ended 2-2 after extra time. Interestingly, it was the Premier League’s most in form striker, Tammy Abraham, who missed the decisive penalty for the Blues. Lampard will be looking for a similar performance from his players, who were unlucky to lose in that fixture.
Klopp, on the other hand, will be demanding more from his squad. Despite winning all five of their Premier League games thus far, they have failed to produce the exceptional performances of last season, with the second half against Arsenal being the exception.
Liverpool fans will have fond memories of their last league fixtures against the Blues. Their 2-0 victory in April is well remembered for Mo Salah’s wonder strike from 30 yards out. A repeat performance should see the Reds see off this Chelsea side. However, Chelsea will be looking to avenge their Super Cup defeat and are more than a match for any opponent when they are at their free-flowing best.
Team news
Chelsea were hit with a major blow in midweek when Mason Mount was injured by a nasty tackle from former Arsenal man Francois Coquelin. Callum Hudson-Odoi remains on the sidelines despite signing a new contract this week. Antonio Rudiger and Ngolo Kante will have to undergo late fitness tests but both could hand Lampard huge boosts ahead of the fixture.
Liverpool will likely name an unchanged back five, with Alisson still out for another month. With the front three guaranteed to start due to a Divock Origi knock, it is only in midfield where there is a selection dilemma for Klopp.
The trio of Fabinho, Jordan Henderson and Gini Wijnaldum are expected to feature from the start. Naby Keita could make his first matchday squad of the season, although a return against MK Dons next week is more likely.
Predicted Starting XIs
Chelsea (3-4-2-1): Kepa; Rudiger, Christensen, Tomori; Azpilicueta, Jorginho, Kovacic, Alonso; Willian, Barkley; Abraham
Liverpool (4-3-3): Adrian; Alexander-Arnold, Matip, Van Dijk, Robertson; Fabinho, Henderson, Wijnaldum; Salah, Firmino, Mane
Score Prediction: Chelsea 1-2 Liverpool
Expect both teams to score in this fixture, as both defences have shown signs of frailty this campaign. However, I expect Liverpool to have too much for Chelsea, although it should be a tight affair between two quality sides.
