Prediction: Chelsea vs Liverpool

Verdict: Both teams to score

Best odds: 11/4

Bookmaker: Betfair

Liverpool may already be overtaken at the top of the Premier League table by the time they arrive at Stamford Bridge for Saturday evening’s showdown with Chelsea.

Arne Slot’s champions have started to show more cracks in recent weeks, while the Blues boosted morale with only their second victory in six outings, edging past Jose Mourinho’s Benfica in midweek.

Chelsea

Tipped as a potential surprise candidate for the Premier League crown before a ball was kicked, Chelsea’s early inconsistency has quickly tempered such predictions. Enzo Maresca’s men sit on two wins, two draws and two defeats from their opening six games, their latest setback coming in a 3-1 home loss to Brighton & Hove Albion last weekend. The Blues looked in control until Trevoh Chalobah’s dismissal turned the tide, Danny Welbeck netting twice to punish the 10 men.

That red card epitomised Chelsea’s Achilles heel: discipline. Since the start of the 2024-25 season, no side has accrued more cards than their total of 118 – 114 yellows and four reds – and once again they finished a match a man short in Tuesday’s Champions League clash. On that occasion, Joao Pedro’s late sending-off did not prevent them from defeating Benfica 1-0, but domestically the eighth-placed hosts have only one point from their last three league games.

Seven points adrift of the summit already, Chelsea are also grappling with a swollen absentee list, although they will look to avoid three consecutive top-flight losses for the first time since Frank Lampard’s tenure in 2023.

Team News

Pedro’s midweek dismissal has no Premier League implications, but Chalobah will serve a domestic ban, joining Mykhaylo Mudryk (suspended) and a raft of injured teammates on the sidelines. Dario Essugo (thigh), Tosin Adarabioyo (calf), Cole Palmer (groin), Liam Delap (thigh) and Levi Colwill (knee) are all unavailable, while Wesley Fofana (head) and Andrey Santos (knock) require further checks.

Should Fofana fail concussion protocol, teenager Josh Acheampong may be drafted in as an emergency centre-back, potentially alongside fellow prospect Jorrel Hato if Benoit Badiashile cannot handle two starts in quick succession.

Liverpool

The champions, too, are in a sticky patch, suffering back-to-back defeats for just the second time under Slot. Crystal Palace ended their flawless league start with Eddie Nketiah’s dramatic late winner last weekend, before Galatasaray inflicted another 1-0 blow in the Champions League, Victor Osimhen converting from the spot.

None of Liverpool’s first five victories in this league campaign carried total conviction, and their fragility has now been laid bare. By the time they kick off in West London, they may no longer lead the standings, as Arsenal – two points behind after beating Newcastle – play earlier in the day against West Ham.

Liverpool’s recent trips to Stamford Bridge hardly inspire optimism either; they are winless in four Premier League visits, last season’s 3-1 defeat coming after the title was already wrapped up.

Team News

Injuries have not plagued Slot’s men to the same extent as Chelsea, but they were dealt a hammer blow in Istanbul when Alisson Becker suffered a groin problem. The Brazilian has been ruled out of this clash, while Hugo Ekitike also picked up a thigh complaint, though the latter could recover in time. Alexander Isak is primed to lead the line regardless, chasing a third straight scoring appearance at the Bridge.

Federico Chiesa may be back in contention after a minor niggle, but Giovanni Leoni remains a long-term absentee with an ACL injury.

Conclusion

Chelsea have scored in eight successive matches since their opening-day stalemate with Palace, and such consistency in front of goal presents a stern test for Liverpool’s increasingly shaky backline.

However, the Blues’ own defensive flaws and lengthy absentee list make them just as hard to trust, setting the stage for a finely poised encounter in the capital.

Verdict: Both teams to score

Best odds: 11/4

Bookmaker: Betfair