Why Liverpool v Chelsea is a key EPL match this weekend

A classic Premier League rivalry is our pick for match of the week, as Liverpool welcome Chelsea to Anfield on the late afternoon of Sunday 20 October 2024.

Match background.

Liverpool and Chelsea have emerged as major threats to the established ‘top two’ of Manchester City and Arsenal, which makes this clash an effective six-pointer when it comes to challenging for the title, as well as competing for a berth in next season’s UEFA Champions League.

The Reds have shown an enhanced versatility and adaptability under manager Arne Slot, while the Blues have impressed with their sharp progress under Enzo Maresca, who has successfully managed to keep a sharp divide between the off-field drama that always seems to surround the club, and the on-field performance that is taking the Stamford Bridge outfit back to a place where they can be considered a true heavyweight.

What the team managers are saying.

Liverpool manager Arne Slot on the threat posed by Chelsea says: “They have been very good this season. I think many people underestimated what they are capable of, but they have a good squad with many high-quality players and a smart coach who knows what he wants from his team. It will be a tough challenge, but we are excited for this game at our home stadium.”

Chelsea’s Marc Cucurella during the Premier League match at Stamford Bridge, London. Picture date: Sunday October 6, 2024.

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca on ‘controlling the control-ables’ says: “We try to be focused on the things we can do better, the things we can control. The pitch side is where we can be focused,” said the Italian tactician. “I said many times, the only thing we need to pay attention to is how we can improve, and I think we are progressing, we are in the right direction but we just started two months ago. It’s a good feeling.”

Players to watch.

Liverpool – Mohamed Salah

The Egyptian has not been particularly prolific against his former club (the Egyptian player’s last goal against Chelsea was back in early 2022) but his pace and precision down the right flank will cause the Blues’ defence all kinds of problems come Sunday afternoon.

Chelsea – Nicolas Jackson

The Senegal forward endured some difficult matches early in the season in which his finishing lacked accuracy, but he has emphatically rediscovered his radar – and confidence – and it would be no surprise to see him find the back of the net at Anfield.

Chelsea’s Nicolas Jackson celebrates after scoring the opening goal of the game during the Premier League match at the London Stadium. Picture date: Saturday September 21, 2024.

Head-to-head

In head-to-head stats, Liverpool and Chelsea have met in 197 matches across all competition since 1907, with the Reds claiming 86 wins compared to 65 for the Blues, while 46 games have been drawn.

Liverpool have put together a nine-game unbeaten streak against Chelsea which started all the way back in August 2021. Last season the Merseyside club took four points off their London rivals in the league, and also claimed a 1-0 win in the final of the League Cup.

Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah gestures during the Premier League match at Selhurst Park, London. Picture date: Saturday October 5, 2024.

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Broadcast details

Sunday 20 October

  • 17:30: Liverpool v Chelsea – LIVE on SuperSport Premier League, SuperSport Maximo 1 and SuperSport Maximo 2

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