by There’s hardly a better feeling than knowing an international break is over and Liverpool’s return is imminent, but Chelsea will want to spoil our Sunday at Anfield.
Liverpool vs Chelsea
Premier League (8) | Anfield
October 20, 2024 | 4:30 p.m. (BST)
Premier League action is back on the agenda and the Reds have no time to settle back in with fourth-placed Chelsea waiting for them.
It’s a battle between two new managers in the top flight, with Arne Slot and Enzo Maresca competing against each other.
Here’s everything you need to know before kick-off.
1. Alisson OUT, Kelleher IN
During the break, it was confirmed that Alisson will not return to action until after the international break in November, meaning Caoimhin Kelleher will once again take on the No.1 role.
This is the second time the Brazilian has been sidelined with a hamstring injury this season.
Before the game, Slot admitted that his side had returned from the break with “some problems”, including illnesses for Wataru Endo and Kostas Tsimikas – the latter not pictured in training.
Alexis Mac Allister had to deal with his adductor problem and was not seen during Friday’s training session, nor was Federico Chiesa.
Harvey Elliott, meanwhile, had been targeting a return from his broken foot against Chelsea but will need more time to be ready for his return.
2. Two suspended defenders for Chelsea
Maresca will be without both Marc Cucurella and Wesley Fofana for the trip to Anfield as the pair are serving a one-match ban and have already reached the five-yellow card limit.
The duo have started every league game, meaning Tosin Adarabioyo or Axel Disasi will get their chance at centre-back, while Renato Veiga is expected to get the match against Mo Salah.
Reece James is back in training and available for selection, but given he has yet to play any competitive minutes this season, a return against Liverpool seems very unlikely.
Predicted Chelsea XI: Sanchez; Gusto, Tosin, Colwill, Veiga; Caicedo, Fernandez; Madueke, Palmer, Sancho; Jackson
3. 1. meets 4
Only four points separate the two teams in the table before this duel.
Liverpool have 18 points and have only conceded two goals in their seven games. Chelsea, on the other hand, have scored 16 goals but conceded eight.
Maresca’s men have won all three away games so far, only the Reds have a better record and, according to FotMob, Chelsea have created the second most big chances this season (27).
Slot’s side are also at the top of these rankings, which sets us up for an entertaining game at Anfield.
Form (in all competitions)
Liverpool (last LR): W, W, W, W, W
Chelsea: D, W, W, W, W
4. Warning about train travel
Fans are urged to plan their matchday travel in advance and find alternative routes if considering using the rail lines.
Major engineering works planned will ensure Liverpool Lime Street station remains closed all day. Most services into the city will be replaced by buses from Crewe, extending the journey.
A nuisance for both groups of fans! Further information can be found here.
5. How could Liverpool line up?
Slot has a few players who are doubtful to feature, but he is expected to be as close to his best XI as possible against the Blues.
Kelleher is the obvious candidate and Mac Allister is a replacement should he get the nod to start.
Curtis Jones and Cody Gakpo could give the Liverpool manager something to think about if he would prefer fresher legs, but the duo are more likely to be an option off the bench.
Expected starting lineup for the Reds: Kelleher; Alexander Arnold; Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Gravenberch, Szoboszlai, Mac Allister; Salah, Diaz, Jota
6. Danger Men
Liverpool can cause Chelsea plenty of problems at Anfield, but Slot’s side need to keep a close eye on Cole Palmer and Noni Madueke.
The pair have scored 11 goals between them in all competitions and created 15 chances for each other in the Premier League this season, more than any other duo, according to Opta.
Palmer is one of the most in-form players in the top flight and has directly contributed to 44 league goals since the start of last season, more than any other player.
Slot has been waiting for his side to be tested and he will get his wish.
7. Slot’s verdict on the Van Dijk criticism
Ahead of the game, Slot addressed the criticism Virgil van Dijk faced from the Dutch media after returning to Liverpool early in the break:
“I don’t think he deserves this because even in his last games he played some very good games for the Dutch national team. But that’s no surprise to me.
“Is it any surprise that he gets criticism? Yes that’s it. Maybe not from the Dutch media, but in general I would say it’s a surprise.
“Because when you’re in this schedule, in this game plan, it’s completely normal that you have a few days off.
“Some other players in Holland, who you probably don’t know, didn’t come because they were tired.
“How on earth can you criticize a player who played every game for us and the European Championships… this is Dutch media!”
8. Diaz enjoys giving Chelsea the blues
Luis Diaz has been a thorn in Chelsea’s side of late and he can set a record on Sunday that even Salah hasn’t managed yet.
Should he score on Sunday, he would be the first Liverpool player since Ian Rush in 1990 to score in three consecutive league games against Chelsea.
Liverpool’s No.7 hasn’t scored for the club since his brace against Bournemouth, but now would be a good time to add to his tally and send the Blues back to London empty-handed.
9. Referee confirmed
John Brooks He will lead the Anfield duel. It will be the first time he has taken charge of a Liverpool game since the 4-3 defeat to Man United in the FA Cup quarter-finals last season – a game none of us care to remember.
In total, he has taken charge of six Reds games in the past, which resulted in three wins, one draw and two defeats – he was the one who showed Virgil van Dijk a red card in Newcastle.
Simon Bennett and Darren Cann are his assistants at Anfield, while Craig Pawson will act as fourth official.
Michael Oliver will be at Stockley Park as lead VAR, supported by Stuart Burt.
10. How to watch the game with TIA!
Liverpool vs Chelsea will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League in the UK, with coverage starting at 4pm (BST).
But if you don’t feel like listening to the strange noises Gary Neville makes, you can follow our matchday live blog with Harry McMullen from 3.45pm.
Three points please!
