Preview: Stamford Bridge Awaits as Chelsea Host Liverpool in the Premier League | OneFootball

Chelsea vs Liverpool – Premier League Preview

Date: Saturday, 4th October 2025

Venue: Stamford Bridge

Kick-off: 17:30 BST

Liverpool’s season has hit its first stumbling block, with back-to-back defeats against Crystal Palace in the Premier League and Galatasaray in the Champions League leaving Arne Slot’s side looking for a response. The champions remain among the early pacesetters, but questions around their new patterns of play and attacking structure have grown louder heading into this trip to Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea, meanwhile, finds itself juggling defensive concerns with injuries and suspensions. Still, Enzo Maresca’s team will view this clash as an opportunity to prove they can match the very best at home. With the London crowd behind them, the Blues will aim to unsettle Liverpool’s rhythm and exploit gaps in transition.

Chelsea Availability

The Blues enter this fixture with concerns at the back. Key defensive injuries have left the Blues reshuffling their options, while a suspension further reduces their pool of available centre-backs. However, Chelsea’s midfield remains strong, with Enzo Fernández and Moisés Caicedo providing energy and bite.  Levi Colwill, Liam Delap, Cole Palmer, and Oluwatosin Adarabioyo are all out injured, whereas Trevoh Chalobah is suspended.

Recent form has been patchy, with a 1-3 away loss against Brighton followed by a 2-1 loss at Manchester United. Wins over Lincoln City and a Benfica side marshalled by Jose Mourinho have elevated some of the early-season pressure. After six games played, eight points have been taken which sees the under investigation club in 8th in the table.

Predicted Chelsea Lineup (4-2-3-1):

GK: Robert Sánchez

RB: Reece James

RCB: Benoît Badiashile

LCB: Jorrel Hato

LB: Marc Cucurella

CM: Moisés Caicedo

CM: Enzo Fernández

CM: Roméo Lavia

RW: Estêvão

CF: João Pedro

LW: Pedro Neto

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Liverpool Availability

Arne Slot faces challenges of his own. Alisson Becker’s fitness remains a concern after his injury in Istanbul, while Hugo Ekitike could also miss out following his setback. Alexander Isak is expected to lead the line once again, with Mohamed Salah and Florian Wirtz providing the wide threat.

Ryan Gravenberch and Alexis Mac Allister will likely resume in midfield, with Dominik Szoboszlai adding energy in advanced areas. Virgil van Dijk will be relied upon to steady the defence, especially against the pace of Chelsea’s front three, while Milos Kerkez may get the nod at left-back again.

Predicted Liverpool Lineup (4-2-3-1):

GK: Alisson Becker

RB: Conor Bradley

RCB: Ibrahima Konaté

LCB: Virgil van Dijk (c)

LB: Milos Kerkez

CM: Ryan Gravenberch

CM: Alexis Mac Allister

ACM: Dominik Szoboszlai

RW: Mohamed Salah

CF: Alexander Isak

LW: Florian Wirtz

How Will This Contest Play Out?

Stamford Bridge has traditionally been a difficult venue for Liverpool, and Chelsea will lean on the unpredictability of their attacking trio to cause problems. The home side will likely look to exploit transitions, pressing Liverpool’s midfield and attacking the full-back areas.

For Slot, the challenge will be in rediscovering structure and patience after a turbulent week. With possession likely to fall Liverpool’s way, breaking down Chelsea’s compact shape will be the key. Salah’s duel with Marc Cucurella could prove decisive, while Isak’s physicality against a backup set of defenders offers another crucial battle.

The game promises to be tight, but Liverpool’s individual quality could shine through if they rediscover their fluency in the final third.

Player to Watch: Mohamed Salah

After a quiet season thus far by his standards, Salah will be eager to reassert himself. His ability to stretch Chelsea’s defence and find decisive moments makes him Liverpool’s best hope of leaving Stamford Bridge with three points.

Steven Smith’s Score Prediction:

Chelsea 2 – 2 Liverpool