Match Preview: Chelsea vs Liverpool – Conte braced for free-scoring Reds

Match Preview: Chelsea vs Liverpool – Conte braced for free-scoring Reds

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Two of the most enigmatic managers in world football clash with their sides still harbouring a fair share of unanswered questions after a month of Premier League action.

It’s a mouth-watering clash at the Bridge, with Antonio Conte’s Chelsea out for redemption following a disappointing result against Swansea in Wales. With wins in their opening three games and 10 points from a possible 12, the Blues have to be ready for something which they are yet to face this season – a serious test against high-quality opposition.

Following its memorable opening day win at the Emirates, Liverpool faced the possibility of falling behind with the trailing pack before an emphatic 4-1 win against Leicester City. At the moment, the Reds are scoring goals for fun, and will be hopeful of replicating last year’s result at the Bridge which handed Jürgen Klopp his first League win as Liverpool manager.

Key Battle – N’Golo Kanté vs. Philippe Coutinho

France’s everywhere man has transformed Chelsea in his short time at the club, offering it some much-needed drive and enthusiasm in an otherwise stagnant midfield. Typically quiet in going about his business, Kanté has been one of if not Chelsea’s most impressive this year, but he must be at his absolute best if he is to stop Liverpool’s No.10.

Philippe Coutinho tore Chelsea to shreds at the Bridge last season, scoring two stunning goals in Liverpool’s memorable come-from-behind win. The Brazilian had his way with Chelsea’s midfield and back four, so expect him to come straight back into the starting XI and test the Blues’ questionable back-line.

Team News

It’s not often you hear that the answer to defensive fragility is David Luiz, but that may be the case at Stamford Bridge. The Brazilian could make his second Premier League debut for the club against Liverpool at home with John Terry confirmed to miss through injury. The big question all season has been Cesc Fabregas’ place: with Liverpool’s attacking threat, Conte should favour his midfield trio of Kanté, Matic and Oscar.

The big question surrounding Liverpool’s team is its attacking quartet, with Daniel Sturridge possibly relegated to the bench against his old side despite an impressive performance against Leicester. Coutinho may reprise his role in the attacking three, giving the Reds a similar attacking look to the one which was all over Arsenal in its opening game of the season away from home.

CHELIV teams

Head-to-head

Liverpool hold the historical advantage of the Blues with 75 to 61, while the last meeting was the 38th draw between the two sides. Chelsea has had the upper hand in recent history with three wins and four draws from eight games, but Liverpool took four points from two games last season.

Previous Meeting

The two sides played out a dramatic 1-1 draw at Anfield on the second last match day of last season. Eden Hazard showed signs of returning to form following an incredibly disappointing season, with a superb solo goal in the first half giving Chelsea the lead. It looked like the Blues were going to emerge with all three points, before Christian Benteke, now with Crystal Palace, equalised in the second minute of injury time.

Prediction

If the previous form of both sides is any indication, there should be goals and late drama aplenty tomorrow. The match is perfectly poised with Liverpool’s embarrassment of attacking and the in-form Diego Costa leading the line. The Reds under Klopp have shown an ability to rise to the big occasion, while its Chelsea’s first significant test under Conte: expect a pulsating affair at the Bridge.

Chelsea 2 Liverpool 2

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