Liverpool vs Chelsea Prediction & Betting Tips (20 October)

This summer, Liverpool experienced a big upheaval with the departure of coach Jürgen Klopp who brought a lot of success during his time winning the Champions League in 2019 and the Premier League in 2020 in particular. To take over from the German technician, the leaders have set their sights on Arne Slot ex-Feyenoord. While the succession looked like a poisoned chalice, the Mersey club has shown a very good face until now. The Reds are simply at the top of the Premier League with one point ahead of Manchester City and Arsenal. Authors of an almost flawless 6 victories and 1 defeat, they only lost against Nottingham Forest in mid-September 0-1. Since this unexpected hitch, Liverpool have in turn won against Bournemouth 3-0, Wolverhampton 1-2 and Crystal Palace 0-1. In the Champions League, Liverpool won their first two matches AC Milan and Bologna. Not at the level expected during the previous two years, Chelsea were widely criticized for their haphazard recruitment policy.

Last year, the London team still saved the furniture by taking 6th place in the Premier League and therefore qualifying for a European League Conference Cup. During the offseason, Enzo Maresca was inducted onto the bench with the objective of playing the leading roles again. The beginnings are rather convincing since the Blues are currently 4th with 14 points taken in 7 games. Beaten at home by the ogre Manchester City to start 0-2, they have not lost since 4 wins and 2 draws. After having had 3 successes against Bournemouth 0-1, West Ham 0-3 and Brighton 4-2, Cole Palmer's teammates were held back at home by Nottingham Forest just before the international break 1-1. In the Conference League, Chelsea started their campaign with a victory over La Gantoise.

For Liverpool, midfielder Harvey Elliott is still unavailable. He was joined in the infirmary by the starting goalkeeper Alisson. Arriving on the banks of the Mersey this summer, Italian international Chiesa is bothered by physical problems at the moment. It is announced uncertain this Sunday. On the last day, it was Portuguese striker Diogo Jota (2 goals and 2 assists in PL) who scored the winning goal for the Reds. He could still start this weekend and be surrounded by influential wingers Salah (4 goals and 4 assists in PL) and Luis Diaz (5 goals in PL). Most often substituted until now, Dutch winger Gakpo (1 assist in PL) started against Crystal Palace and was very good.

Very solid at the back, Liverpool has the best defense in the championship (2 goals conceded) thanks in particular to the excellent performances of Rocs van Dijk and Konaté. Long decimated by injuries during the previous year, Chelsea are more spared this season. We still note the withdrawals of captain Reece James and the young striker who arrived in London this summer Kellyman (19 years old, ex-Aston Villa). Revelation of last season, playmaker Cole Palmer (6 goals and 5 assists in PL) confirms this year. The attacking quartet should be completed by Madueke (4 goals in PL), Sancho (3 assists in PL) and Jackson (4 goals and 3 assists in PL). Called up to the Blues during the break, French internationals Fofana and Nkunku (1 goal in PL, 1 goal in C4, 3 goals in League Cup) are available but the latter is a substitute in the championship.