Chelsea vs Liverpool avant-première
- Dessiner
- Les deux équipes doivent marquer
A heavyweight clash in the Premier League sees Chelsea and Liverpool collide at Stamford Bridge, with both clubs desperate to respond to recent setbacks. Chelsea are looking to halt a run of poor domestic form, while Liverpool arrive on the back of rare back-to-back defeats under Arne Slot. With early-season points already proving vital in the race for the top four and beyond, the pressure is high on both sides to deliver.
Chelsea may have secured a 1-0 victory against Benfica in midweek Champions League action, but the manner of the win — an own goal — hardly inspires confidence. That result did little to mask their struggles in the Premier League, where they are enduring a three-match winless run including back-to-back defeats.
Seven points adrift of Liverpool going into this clash, the Blues cannot afford another slip if they are to remain credible contenders for the top spots. The good news is that Stamford Bridge has been a stronghold of late, with Chelsea losing just two of their last 18 competitive home fixtures (W13, D3, L2). Avoiding three successive league defeats, something not seen since May 2023, is the immediate target for Enzo Maresca’s side.
Liverpool are not without problems themselves. Slot’s men fell to a dramatic 2-1 defeat against Crystal Palace last weekend, their first loss in any competition this season, before suffering a 1-0 reverse against Galatasaray in the Champions League. More concerning than the results were the lacklustre performances, which have raised questions about fatigue and depth.
The Reds’ recent record in London does little to ease nerves either. They have lost their last three Premier League trips to the capital, suggesting Stamford Bridge is not the ideal venue to seek a turnaround. Slot will need his squad to rediscover their intensity quickly if they are to avoid slipping further behind in the title race.
Historique du face-à-face
Chelsea ended a ten-match winless streak against Liverpool (D5, L5) with a 3-1 home victory late last season. That result could mark a turning point, as the Blues now chase back-to-back home league wins against the Reds for the first time since 2006.
Historically, this fixture has been tight, with many matches decided by fine margins. The balance of recent form slightly favours Chelsea at home, though Liverpool’s attacking quality ensures they remain dangerous despite their current slump.
Statistiques et séries chaudes
- Early impact at the Bridge: Chelsea have scored exactly once before half-time in seven of their last nine home matches.
- Struggles vs champions: Chelsea are winless in their last five home league games against reigning champions (D1, L4).
- Late drama: Liverpool’s six Premier League matches this season have produced a league-high eight goals scored after the 80th minute.
- Narrow margins: None of Liverpool’s last eight games in all competitions have been decided by more than one goal.
Acteurs clés à surveiller
Chelsea
João Pedro may have been sent off in midweek, but his record at Stamford Bridge makes him one to watch.
Five of his last six Premier League goals have come at home, showing his ability to step up in familiar surroundings. His presence will be vital if Chelsea are to find a breakthrough against Liverpool’s usually resolute defence.
Liverpool
Captain Virgil van Dijk has surprisingly become something of a weapon against Chelsea in recent years.
He has scored in each of the last two seasons when facing the Blues, and with his last four goals for Liverpool arriving in the 80th minute or later, he is a genuine late threat from set pieces. His leadership at the back will also be crucial in steadying a Liverpool defence hit by injuries.
Nouvelles de l'équipe et joueurs manquants
Chelsea’s squad problems remain significant. Cole Palmer is ruled out, while their defensive crisis deepens with Trevoh Chalobah suspended following his red card last week. These absences reduce Maresca’s options in both creativity and defensive cover.
Liverpool are also sweating over fitness concerns. Alisson and forward Hugo Ekitike were both forced off in midweek against Galatasaray and could miss out here. Slot will hope they recover quickly, but he may need to reshuffle if both are unavailable.
Analyse tactique
Chelsea will look to make the most of their home advantage by pressing high and targeting Liverpool’s recent defensive lapses. With João Pedro their main outlet, quick transitions and set-piece opportunities could be their best route to goal. However, their defensive shortages could leave them vulnerable against Liverpool’s pace and movement in attack.
Liverpool, meanwhile, will lean on their trademark late surges. With eight goals already scored beyond the 80th minute this season, they have shown an ability to stay competitive until the end. Slot’s challenge will be to ensure his side control midfield, avoiding the sluggishness that has characterised their last two outings. If Van Dijk and the back line can hold firm, their attacking unit has enough firepower to turn the game late on.
Analyse des paris
The betting markets suggest a tight contest, and the statistics reinforce this. The last nine Premier League head-to-heads saw the half-time result replicated at full-time, meaning the draw/draw half-time/full-time option could be worth consideration.
Chelsea’s home scoring streak and Liverpool’s late-goal record also point towards action at both ends. Punters might consider both teams to score, while those backing specific goal timings may find value in late goals, particularly in the final 15 minutes.
Prédiction
This clash brings together two wounded heavyweights, each eager to bounce back after disappointing weeks. Chelsea’s home record and Liverpool’s recent dip suggest a finely balanced affair, with little to separate the sides. Given the trend of recent head-to-heads and both teams’ vulnerabilities, a stalemate could be the most likely outcome.
Prediction: Chelsea 1-1 Liverpool
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