Luis Torres
Dailysports's expert
n the standout fixture of the eighth round of the English Premier League, Liverpool and Chelsea will clash in what promises to be an exciting match. Analysts from Dailysports have provided their prediction for this key encounter.
Liverpool
Liverpool fans might have been anxious about life after Jürgen Klopp, but things are looking promising under new manager Arne Slot. The team has secured six wins and suffered just one defeat in the Premier League, enough to maintain top spot, although two teams are just a point behind.
In their most recent outing, the Reds claimed a narrow 1-0 win away to Crystal Palace, although they suffered a setback with a key injury to goalkeeper Alisson, who will miss this upcoming match. Liverpool is also in fine form in the Champions League, having collected all six points from two games—defeating AC Milan 3-1 away and Bologna 2-0 at home.
Chelsea
There has been much mockery of Chelsea’s erratic transfer policy, with the club bringing in a multitude of players, many of whom have found themselves sitting on the bench. However, the start to the season hasn’t been all bad under Enzo Maresca, with Chelsea currently sitting fourth in the table, just four points behind the leaders.
In their last league match, Chelsea dropped crucial points in a 1-1 draw at home against a determined Nottingham Forest. The Blues are also competing in the Europa Conference League, where they secured a 4-2 victory over Gent in their only group-stage game so far. Their primary goal remains finishing in the top four of the Premier League.
Expected Lineups
- Liverpool: Jaros, Robertson, Van Dijk, Konaté, Alexander-Arnold, Gravenberch, Szoboszlai, Gakpo, Jones, Salah, Jota.
- Chelsea: Sánchez, Adarabioyo, Disasi, Colwill, Gusto, Fernández, Caicedo, Sancho, Palmer, Madueke, Jackson.
Match Facts
- Liverpool has won nine of their ten matches across all competitions this season.
- Chelsea is unbeaten in their last six matches in all competitions.
- Betting odds: W1 – 1.69, Draw – 4.65, W2 – 5.1.
Head-to-Head
The two clubs have a rich history of encounters. Last season, they faced off three times. In the Premier League, Liverpool won 4-1 at Anfield and drew 1-1 at Stamford Bridge. The sides also met in the League Cup final, where Chelsea lost 0-1 after extra time.
Prediction
Anfield is known to be one of the toughest stadiums for visiting teams, which will make this match a difficult one for Chelsea. Liverpool is deservedly the favorite due to their stability and solid form, though Chelsea could still pose some challenges. I would back a straight win for the home side in this fixture.
