Chelsea V Liverpool - SAT 29 SEPT 2018 - 17:30 - Match Preview
After going toe to toe with one another at Anfield on Wednesday night the pair will meet again at Samford Bridge this weekend. Liverpool may come into this game with their confidence diminished slightly after picking up their first loss of the season, but Wednesday's game will at least serve as a warning as to how dangerous Edin Hazard can be if they needed reminding.
It is likely that there will be plenty of changes from the teams we saw on Wednesday as both managers made 8 changes for that game. Jurgen Klopp is almost certain to recall Alisson, Trent Alexander Arnold, Robertson, Wijnaldum, Firmino and Salah back into the starting line up but could face a major blow with Virgil van Dijk potentially missing out. Liverpool's star defender was subbed off in their last league game against Southampton, it wasn't thought to be too serious however he has not yet trained with the squad ahead of the game. He will face a late fitness test to see if he can play, but even if he passes the lack of preparation for the game may mean Klopp leaves him out anyway. Dejan Lovren returned on Wednesday after being out with his own injury and Liverpool also have Joe Gomez and Joel Matip available.
It's still early days but this clash seems like it could be one that has a big impact on the title race this season. Both teams come into the game undefeated in their opening 6 league games so far with Liverpool having a 100% winning record and Chelsea winning 5 before being held to a draw by West Ham in their last league game. Along with Manchester City, many are considering this seasons race for the title a 3 horse affair between these teams and so these points maybe some of the most important ones of the season.
Hazard created all the headlines with his brilliant winning goal on Wednesday and Liverpool, of course, have Mo Salah in their attack who has been responsible for his own share of brilliant goals. Both players are right up there with the best in the world and capable of scoring goals out of nowhere. But as well as stand out attacking talent both teams also spent a crazy amount of money over the summer on players to keep the ball out of the net. Liverpool broke the world record amount spent on a goalkeeper when they signed Alisson from Roma. Shortly after Chelsea broke the record again bringing in Kepa Arrizabalaga from Athletic Bilbao. Both keepers were given the night off on Wednesday but are surely set to start on Saturday and either of them putting in a stand out performance is as likely to influence the outcome of the game as one of the star forwards.
I always find it interesting when teams play each other multiple times within quick succession. I feel it adds an extra dynamic and gives the managers more to work with and get things right. While Liverpool will be disappointed in the result on Wednesday I feel they can take a lot of positives from the game too. They started off 2nd best but as the game progressed they seemed to figure Chelsea out and were the more dominant team. Fabregas dictated the game from the start but Liverpool soon managed to shut him down and they managed to keep Hazard quiet when he came on until they didn't and he scored. Keeping him from doing the same again will be their main priority and if they can do that, I expect Liverpool to get back to winning ways and maintain their position at the top of the league.