Chelsea Vs Liverpool: Jurgen Klopp’s Reds have a task cut out against Chelsea in the upcoming game.
Liverpool will face Chelsea in Stamford Bridge on Sunday. Jurgen Klopp’s side are sitting handsomely in the first spot, while Chelsea are seventh in the league table and both teams hope for a better performance after midweek disappointments in the Champions League.
The Reds are hoping for their sixth consecutive victory in the Premier League, while their opponents are hoping for consistency. They have won three games in the league this season, but they remain susceptible in the backline.
Liverpool have one clean sheet out of seven games, which comes as a huge letdown for Jurgen Klopp. It’s a contrasting start from last season, who had six clean sheets out of opening seven games. But, their front three have been at their feet, on the move from minute one, tormenting the opponent defensive line.
Chelsea, on the other hand, are the third-highest scorer in the Premier League. Meanwhile, their defence has gone out for a walk – conceding 11 goals from just paltry five games. This comes as a huge wakeup call as they are bound to defend against arguably the best attacking trio in the world.
Liverpool are seen as favourites for this game, and we are putting forward three reasons to back up that claim.
#3 Adrian has elevated his game
When Alisson Becker went off injured in the first game, Liverpool fans were worried about Adrian’s form. The Spaniard had barely played over last two seasons for West Ham – losing his spot to Lukasz Fabianski in the process.
Prior to the international break, the former West Ham shot-stopper had inconsistency written all over him – making spectacular saves, but committing silly errors at the same time.
For instance, Adrian made an extraordinary save in the first half, while committed a blatant error by allowing Southampton’s Danny Ings to close him down and win back the ball which gave a glimmer of hope for the hosts to script a comeback. It didn’t rebound with a single point, but it was a lesson to learn for Adrian. He looked out of the groove with his feet, a primary element required to play for Jurgen Klopp’s side.
As a matter of repercussion, Adrian stayed back at Merseyside to work with his goalkeeping coach John Achterberg when his teammates were away for international duty. It has paid off as Liverpool’s number 13 has been comfortable with shot-stopping and playing out with the back.
Alisson Becker was worth a shout for the Man of the Match award last season for his performance at Stamford Bridge. Adrian could face the same as Frank Lampard deploys attacking methodology.
#2 Joel Matip and Virgil Van Dijk partnership is clicking well
Liverpool’s centre-backs Joel Matip and Virgil Van Dijk have been rock-solid this season. While the full-backs leave pockets of space in the defensive department, it forced the centre-backs to do the spare work in the backline.
Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andy Robertson have made their work in the offensive areas of the pitch, but they fail to track back – leaving tons of covering for Matip and Van Dijk. On numerous instances, Joel Matip has been the standout centre-half than Virgil Van Dijk this season. The Cameroonian has been one of the best players this season, but he lives under the radar quite often.
These two will be up against Tammy Abraham, who has seven goals from four games this season. The English striker is athletic and has the physical presence to torment his opponents. It will be fascinating as he’s bound to play against the best defence in the league.
Apart from the defensive prowess, Joel Matip and Virgil Van Dijk can score goals from the set-pieces too.
#1 Liverpool’s front three are in sublime form
Between Sadio Mane, Roberto Firmino, and Mohamed Salah, there are 10 goals and 6 assists this season. The Reds forward line have been rampant since day one – picking up from where they left off last season.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain started in the Super Cup clash against Chelsea, replacing Roberto Firmino in the frontline. The Englishman didn’t have good effect – forcing Jurgen Klopp to slot in the Brazilian during the half-time. It was an excellent display as Firmino assisted both of Sadio Mane’s goals last month.
Frank Lampard has opted for back three, which could further enhance the chances of Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane running behind their defence. The likes of Tomori, Rudiger, and Christensen do not have the pace like Salah or Mane. If Firmino showers with limitless through balls, the Liverpool African duo could have a party in Stamford Bridge.
The Reds will be hoping to shut down their opponents and hit their opponents on the break. If it clicks, Chelsea could have trouble throughout the game because of the lack of physicality in the midfield department. This elevates the opponent’s chances of scoring goals and creating chances.
