Chelsea face the ultimate test tomorrow at the Bridge as they come up against League unbeaten Liverpool, who are yet to drop any points, leading the Premier League table with their red flags flying high in confidence.
However, this confidence took a slightly unexpected turn in midweek, when the Blues took a trip North West to take on the unbeaten Reds on their home turf where they had been in recent times pretty much unbeatable. Chelsea came out victorious, thanks to a wonder goal by the quite incredible Eden Hazard, where he split Liverpool’s defence in half, to slot it home from an extremely tight angle. Both sides played weakened teams for this clash, until the later stages, resting many players for the more important match this Saturday. The Blues will go into the match with confidence, and Liverpool determined for revenge. But who will come out on top?
Match facts:
– Following Liverpool’s midweek defeat to Chelsea, the Reds have now won just two of there last 14 matches in all competitions against Chelsea.
– Liverpool go into this clash with maximum points from there opening six PL matches, scoring 14 and conceding two.
– Chelsea enter this matchup with five wins and one draw from there opening six PL matches, scoring 14 and conceding four.
– Chelsea’s Eden Hazard is the League’s current top scorer with five goals, joint with Fulham’s Mitrovic. Let’s hope the Belgian can continue his blistering form.
Predicted Line-up:
GK: Kepa – The Spaniard impressed last weekend against West Ham, keeping a clean sheet and making an important save, he is expected to start against Liverpool tomorrow.
RB: Azpi – Shaky performance from the defender on Wednesday against Liverpool, however, Chelsea has a lot of faith in him, so I am sure his position is safe.
CB: Rudiger – Brilliant season so far for the German, keeping Chelsea’s backline in order, there’s no doubt he will be in Sarri’s starting 11 this Saturday.
CB: Luiz – Many fans were calling for Christensen’s return to the line-up, their wishes became reality on Wednesday; it wasn’t the dream performance, giving away possession on a few occasions, one nearly causing the Blues to concede. So I expect Sarri to stick with the Brazilian.
LB: Alonso – Although Emerson put in a great display on Wednesday, scoring his first goal in a Chelsea shirt, I couldn’t help but feel as if something was missing without Alonso’s presence. I fully expect the Spaniard to start this match and continue his quite brilliant season.
CM: Jorginho – The Italian international broke the Premier League passing record with 180 completed against West Ham. He controls Chelsea’s entire transition stage from defence all the way through to the attack and has become a vital player for Chelsea.
CM: Kante – Playing in a more attacking role under Sarri, the Frenchman has been made to switch his whole playing style, now almost playing box to box. I still, however, feel this is not his strongest position, but it’s where he fits into Sarri’s system.
CM: Kovacic – The Croatian International seems to be improving every match, understanding his role in greater depth. Not much doubt about his starting role.
LW: Hazard – Eden is currently enduring his most impressive start to a season in a Chelsea shirt, and is debatably the most in-form player in Europe. Unless injured, the Belgian will be starting.
RW: Willian – This is a close call, but I believe the Brazilian is a better option than Pedro. I also believe he can play better than he has showed so far this season.
ST: Giroud – Morata had another debatable performance against Liverpool on Wednesday. Giroud has been linking up so impressively with Hazard. With his incredible ability to hold up a ball and play under pressure I expect the French International to start. Maybe not the greatest performance for the target man against West Ham, but I believe he will bounce back from that against Liverpool; well lets hope so anyway.
