There are few feelings better than knowing that Liverpool’s return is imminent after the international break. But Chelsea will be out to spoil Sunday at Anfield.
Liverpool Vs. chelsea
Premier League (8) | anfield
October 20, 2024 | 4:30 PM (BST)
With Premier League action back on the agenda and fourth-placed Chelsea waiting, United have no time to relax.
This is a battle between two new managers, Arne Slot and Enzo Maresca.
Here’s everything you need to know ahead of kickoff.
1. Allison Out, Kelleher In
During the break it was confirmed that Alisson will not return until after the November international break, meaning Caoimhin Kelleher will once again assume the number 1 role.
This is the second time this season the Brazilian player has been sidelined due to a hamstring injury.
Ahead of the match, Slot admitted his side returned from the break with “some issues”, including the illnesses of Wataru Endo and Kostas Tsimikas, the latter of whom was not in the picture in training.
Alexis Mac Allister had to manage an adductor problem and was undetected during Friday’s training session, as was Federico Chiesa.
Meanwhile, Harvey Elliott is targeting a return from the foot fracture suffered against Chelsea, but will need more time to prepare for his return.
2. Chelsea’s two suspended defenders
Maresca will be without both Mark Cucurella and Wesley Fofana for the trip to Anfield, with the pair already serving one-match bans for reaching the five yellow card threshold.
The duo have started every league game, meaning Tosin Adarabiojo or Axel Disasi are expected to get their chance at centre-back while Renato Veiga is expected to get his chance against Mo Salah.
Reece James has returned to training and is available to start, but he is yet to feature in a game this season so his return against Liverpool appears highly unlikely.
Predicted Chelsea XI: Sanchez; Gusteau, Tosin, Colwill, Veiga; Caicedo, Fernández; Maduke, Palmer, Sancho; jackson
3. The 1st meets the 4th.
Heading into this clash, the two teams have just four points on the league table.
Liverpool have 18 points and have conceded just two wins in seven games. On the other hand, Chelsea scored 16 goals but gave up 8 goals.
Maresca’s men have won all three of their away games so far, with only the Reds having a better record, and according to FotMob, Chelsea have created the second-most chances this season (27).
Slot’s side also top the rankings, which sets us up for an entertaining game at Anfield.
Form (in all competitions)
Liverpool (recent LR): Win, win, win, win, win
Chelsea: D, W, W, W, W
4. Rail travel warning
Fans are being urged to plan ahead for match-day travel and look for alternative routes if they are considering using the train line.
Liverpool Lime Street station will be closed for most of the day due to major engineering work planned, with most services into the city being replaced by buses from Crewe, extending journey times.
It’s a nuisance for both fans! More details can be found here.
5. How were Liverpool able to construct their line-up?
There are a few players in the slot who are doubtful for their availability, but we expect them to be as close to the best XI as possible against the Blues.
Kelleher is an obvious inclusion, and would be a shoe-in if Mac Allister gets the nod to start.
Curtis Jones and Cody Gakpo could give the Liverpool manager food for thought if he prefers fresher legs, but the duo are more likely to be options off the bench.
Predicted Reds XI: Kelleher; Alexander-Arnold; Konate, Van Dyke, Robertson; Gravenberch, Szoboszlai, Mac Allister; Salah, Diaz, Jota
6. Although it is dangerous
Liverpool could cause plenty of problems for Chelsea at Anfield, but the slot team will have to keep a close eye on Cole Palmer and Noni Madueke.
The pair have combined for 11 goals in all competitions and have created 15 chances for each other in the Premier League this season, according to Opta. This is the most chances of any duo.
Palmer is one of the most talented players at the top of his game and has directly contributed to 44 league goals, more than any other player since the start of last season.
Slot has been waiting for his side to be tested, and he will get his wish.
7. Slot’s verdict on the Van Dijk criticism
Ahead of the game, Slott spoke about the criticism Virgil van Dijk received from the Dutch media after he returned to Liverpool during the break:
“I don’t think he deserves this. Because he has played very well for the Netherlands in the last few games as well. But that doesn’t surprise me.
“Is it any wonder he’s getting criticized? Yes. Maybe not the Dutch media, but in general I’d say it’s amazing.
“Because if you’re on this schedule, this list of matches, it’s completely normal to have a few days off.
“Some of the other players from the Netherlands didn’t come because they were tired.
“How on earth can you criticize a player who has played every game and Euro for us? It’s the Dutch media!”
8. Diaz enjoys giving Chelsea the blues
Luis Diaz has been a problem for Chelsea of late and could achieve a record that even Salah failed to achieve on Sunday.
If he scores on Sunday, he will become the first Liverpool player to score in three consecutive league games against Chelsea since Ian Rush in 1990.
Liverpool’s number seven has not scored for the club since the game against Bournemouth, but now would be a good opportunity to add to his tally and send the Blues to London empty-handed.
9. Confirmation of judgment
John Brooks He is in charge of the Anfield game and will be refereeing a Liverpool game for the first time since losing 4-3 to Manchester United in the FA Cup quarter-finals last season. That’s a game none of us will remember.
He has taken charge of a total of six Reds games in the past, recording three wins, one draw and two losses. He was the man who showed Virgil van Dijk a red card at Newcastle.
Simon Bennett and Darren Kahn will act as his assistants at Anfield, while Craig Pawson will act as the fourth official.
Michael Oliver will be at Stockley Park in the VAR lead, assisted by Stuart Burt.
10. Ways to follow the game against TIA!
The Liverpool v Chelsea match will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League in the UK, with coverage starting at 4pm BST.
But if you don’t want to hear the strange noises Gary Neville makes, you can follow our matchday live blog with Harry McMullen from 3.45pm.
3 points please!
