Liverpool vs Chelsea Prediction: 20/10/2024

This summer brought significant changes for Liverpool with the departure of Jürgen Klopp, the coach who led them to remarkable success, including winning the Champions League in 2019 and the Premier League in 2020. Arne Slot, formerly of Feyenoord, was appointed as his successor. Despite concerns over filling Klopp’s shoes, Liverpool have started the season impressively. The Reds currently sit atop the Premier League, holding a one-point lead over Manchester City and Arsenal. With six victories and just one defeat — a 0-1 loss to Nottingham Forest in mid-September — they have bounced back with wins against Bournemouth (3-0), Wolverhampton (2-1), and Crystal Palace (1-0). In the Champions League, Liverpool have also won their first two matches against AC Milan and Bologna.

On the other hand, Chelsea faced criticism for their inconsistent transfer strategies over the past two years. Despite that, they managed to finish 6th in the Premier League last season, securing a spot in the Europa Conference League. Over the summer, they brought in Enzo Maresca as head coach, aiming to restore Chelsea’s competitiveness. The Blues are off to a solid start, sitting 4th in the league with 14 points from 7 matches. While they lost their opening game to Manchester City (0-2), they have since remained unbeaten with 4 wins and 2 draws. Chelsea’s recent performances include wins against Bournemouth (1-0), West Ham (3-0), and Brighton (4-2), although they were held to a 1-1 draw by Nottingham Forest just before the international break. Chelsea also started their Conference League campaign with a win over La Gantoise.

In terms of team news, Liverpool’s Harvey Elliott remains sidelined, and starting goalkeeper Alisson is now also unavailable. Italian international Chiesa, who joined Liverpool this summer, is uncertain for Sunday due to physical issues. Diogo Jota (2 goals, 2 assists in the Premier League) scored the decisive goal against Crystal Palace and could start again, flanked by wingers Mohamed Salah (4 goals, 4 assists) and Luis Diaz (5 goals). Dutch winger Cody Gakpo, often used as a substitute, performed well in his start against Crystal Palace.

Defensively, Liverpool boast the league’s best record, having conceded only two goals so far, largely thanks to the strong performances of Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konaté. Chelsea, meanwhile, have had fewer injury concerns compared to last season. However, they are missing captain Reece James and young forward Kellyman, who joined from Aston Villa this summer. Cole Palmer, a standout last season with 6 goals and 5 assists, has continued his excellent form this year. The Chelsea attack will also feature Madueke (4 goals), Sancho (3 assists), and Jackson (4 goals, 3 assists). French internationals Wesley Fofana and Christopher Nkunku are available, though Nkunku has mainly been used as a substitute in the league.

 

Prediction

Liverpool have been dominant at home, winning five of their last seven Premier League games and losing just once in their last 10. Chelsea, on the other hand, have struggled on the road, losing four of their last six away league matches.

Prediction: Liverpool 2 : 1 Chelsea