Game Of The Week: Liverpool Vs. Chelsea Preview
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The league season is back in full gear as Arne Slot’s Liverpool set to host Enzo Maresca’s Chelsea. A battle between top of the table and fourth, it’s this weekend’s match of the week.
Both teams come into this game with one loss on the season. For both of these teams this game will show what they are really about with a point to prove.
For Liverpool, this is there first real test of the season. At the time of writing Liverpool haven’t played a top six side yet. Chelsea on the other hand have much to prove in this game. A win for Chelsea here means that the narratives towards the club change and many more pundits will start to take them serious. A win for Liverpool would solidify them as serious title contenders.
What to expect and players to look for.
On the attacking side of things both of these teams can score goals. They both average about two goals a game and four big chances created per 90 minutes. The main difference from both of these teams are the defenses. Liverpool so far have conceded the fewest goals in the league at two and have five clean sheets to show for it
Chelsea most of the time can’t keep the ball out of the net. This shows with Chelsea conceding about one goal a game. If the Liverpool attack can finish their chances, things could get ugly quick.
The man who’s probably gonna be finishing these chances is of course Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah. Salah loves a game against Chelsea because he has seven goal contributions against them in 13 appearances.
Salah choosing not to celebrate after a goal against Chelsea
Liverpool midfielder Ryan Gravenberch is also a player to look out for. Liverpool have been happily surprised with Gravenberch’s play over the start of the season. It feels that Gravenberch knew he had to step up his play since Liverpool were looking to acquire players in his position over the summer. Easy to say that Liverpool are happy they didn’t spend money on a new midfielder.
Gravenberch is a ball winning midfielder and his stats show he’s one of the best. He averages two interceptions a game and two tackles. Expect him to be the one stopping the Chelsea counters during the game.
Chelsea will most likely start this game on the backfoot. Chelsea will play for the counter and try and catch the Liverpool full-backs out of position.
If Chelsea are looking to win this game then their wingers need to show up. Jadon Sancho and Noni Madueke should be the X factors for this game. Liverpool’s right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold isn’t the best when it comes to 1 on 1 defending, so expect Sancho trying to take him on at any possible chance. Sancho has been a great dribbler this season as he successfully dribbles past someone four times per game.
Jadon Sancho’s dribbling stats per 90 (FotMob)
Cole Palmer is also a player to look for, obviously. Palmer leads the club with seven goals and five assists. If anything good comes from Chelsea in this game it will most likely involve Palmer. Every time he touches the ball the only way is forward. At any given moment Palmer is trying to play a runner through or even take a strike from a few yards out. Look for him to try and bring Liverpool defenders out of position to allow runners to get in behind.
It’s difficult to see how Chelsea can escape Anfield with any points. If Liverpool start the game aggressive and force Chelsea defenders to make mistakes this game could be over by half-time. The only way Chelsea can grab points is if Liverpool can’t finish their chances and they score on the counterattack.
Liverpool can win this game by playing good, but Chelsea can only win this game by playing perfect. With a young squad and still a new coach, expecting Chelsea to play perfect at Anfield is unrealistic. Liverpool should walkaway with three points, but don’t be surprised if this game ends up in a high score-line.
