Chelsea vs Liverpool: Match preview, head-to-head, team news, key players | OneFootball

Chelsea host Liverpool in the Premier League at Stamford Bridge on Saturday evening in one of the weekend’s most exciting match-ups.The Blues were beaten 3-1 at home by Brighton & Hove Albion last weekend and are winless in their last three league games.Liverpool also suffered the same fate in South London, where they lost 2-1 to Crystal Palace, ending their unbeaten start to the season.

Match preview

Chelsea defeated Jose Mourinho-led Benfica 1-0 in the Champions League on Tuesday, and that result may have buoyed their confidence heading into this clash.The Blues have had an average start to their league campaign. They are seven points adrift of table-toppers Liverpool and have three fewer points than fourth-placed Tottenham Hotspur.Enzo Maresca’s side won the corresponding fixture 3-1 last term and will look to replicate the same on Saturday.Liverpool were beaten 1-0 at Galatasaray on Tuesday, suffering back-to-back losses, for just the second time under manager Arne Slot.The Reds lead the pack in the league but have been far from their best, with questions lingering over the balance of the team following their €289 million spending spree in the summer.Liverpool could lose top spot before the game, putting more pressure on them to secure a victory.

Head-to-head

Chelsea have just one win in the last 10 games across all competitions against the Reds, but have not lost to them at home since 2020.

Team news

Chelsea will be without Cole Palmer, Dario Essugo, Liam Delap, Levi Colwill, Wesley Fofana, Tosin Adarabioyo and Trevoh Chalobah.For Liverpool, goalkeeper Alisson Becker will miss this clash, but it remains to be seen whether Hugo Ekitike will feature. Both came off injured in the defeat to Galatasaray.

Key players

Chelsea

Moises Caicedo: He is one of the most in-form midfielders in the league, ranking first for interceptions and second for tackles per game.Joao Pedro: The forward has had a blistering start to life at Stamford Bridge, scoring five goals in 11 games.

Liverpool

Mohammed Salah: The Egyptian has just two league goals this term but remains the Reds’ best forward.Virgil van Dijk: Despite Liverpool’s defensive frailties, the Liverpool skipper has stood out. He has made the most clearances in the league.