Liverpool vs. Chelsea: Team News, Expected Lineups, and Injury Updates Ahead of Premier League Clash
Team News and Injury Updates As the match approaches, both teams are facing injury concerns. For Liverpool, the absence of goalkeeper Alisson Becker is significant, as he is expected to be sidelined until November due to a hamstring injury. This puts pressure on Caoimhin Kelleher to step up, although he is recovering from an illness. If Kelleher is unable to play, Vitezslav Jaros could be called upon again after making an unexpected debut against Crystal Palace. Harvey Elliott is also unavailable, expected to return next month due to a lower leg issue. However, Mohamed Salah, who missed Egypt's Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Mauritania due to concerns over playing on artificial turf, is fit and ready to feature in this match. Federico Chiesa may make his second Premier League appearance for Liverpool, although it might be from the bench.
Liverpool is set to host Chelsea at Anfield for a highly anticipated Premier League match on Sunday, with both teams looking to solidify their positions early in the season. Under the guidance of their new manager Arne Slot, the Reds have enjoyed a strong start, winning all but one of their matches since he took over from Jurgen Klopp. As they head into this fixture, Liverpool holds a narrow one-point lead at the top of the table, while Chelsea trails closely behind, just four points adrift, thanks to their own impressive resurgence under manager Enzo Maresca.
Recent Form and Key Players
Liverpool’s recent form has been commendable, and they will be keen to maintain momentum against a Chelsea side that has shown signs of improvement. Maresca, who recently earned the Manager of the Month award for September, has orchestrated three wins out of four matches, boosting the team’s confidence. Among the standout players for Chelsea has been Cole Palmer, who also received the Player of the Month award. His performance will be crucial for Chelsea as they aim to improve their poor record against Liverpool, having secured only one victory in their last twelve encounters across all competitions.
Team News and Injury Updates
As the match approaches, both teams are facing injury concerns. For Liverpool, the absence of goalkeeper Alisson Becker is significant, as he is expected to be sidelined until November due to a hamstring injury. This puts pressure on Caoimhin Kelleher to step up, although he is recovering from an illness. If Kelleher is unable to play, Vitezslav Jaros could be called upon again after making an unexpected debut against Crystal Palace.
Harvey Elliott is also unavailable, expected to return next month due to a lower leg issue. However, Mohamed Salah, who missed Egypt's Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Mauritania due to concerns over playing on artificial turf, is fit and ready to feature in this match. Federico Chiesa may make his second Premier League appearance for Liverpool, although it might be from the bench.
Liverpool’s Predicted Starting XI (4-2-3-1):
- Goalkeeper: Kelleher
- Defenders: Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson
- Midfielders: Gravenberch, Mac Allister
- Forwards: Salah, Szoboszlai, Gakpo, Jota
Injuries: Alisson, Elliott
Suspensions: None
Chelsea's Injury and Suspension Woes
Chelsea is also dealing with a few injury issues but boasts a largely healthy squad. The potential return of captain Reece James is being monitored, as he has yet to play this season due to a muscle problem. However, the coaching staff may opt not to rush him back. Meanwhile, teenager Omari Kellyman is sidelined, and the Blues face defensive challenges with Marc Cucurella and Wesley Fofana both suspended after accumulating yellow cards.
Chelsea’s Predicted Starting XI (4-2-3-1):
- Goalkeeper: Sanchez
- Defenders: Gusto, Disasi, Colwill, Veiga
- Midfielders: Caicedo, Fernandez
- Forwards: Madueke, Palmer, Sancho, Jackson
Injuries: James (doubt), Kellyman
Suspensions: Cucurella, Fofana
Match Details
The Liverpool vs. Chelsea fixture will take place at Anfield in Liverpool, with kickoff scheduled for Sunday, October 20, at 4:30 p.m. local time. Here’s how the match time translates to various time zones around the world:
- USA/Canada: Sunday, Oct. 20, 11:30 a.m. ET
- Australia: Monday, Oct. 21, 2:30 a.m. AEST
- UK: Sunday, Oct. 20, 4:30 p.m. BST
- India: Sunday, Oct. 20, 9 p.m. IST
As both teams prepare for this crucial match, Liverpool will be looking to extend their winning run under Slot, while Chelsea seeks to overcome defensive setbacks and capitalize on their recent form. With key players like Salah returning and others stepping up, this match promises to be an exciting encounter between two teams eager to assert their dominance in the Premier League. Fans will undoubtedly be treated to a thrilling display of football as Liverpool aims to maintain their position at the top of the table against a resurgent Chelsea side.
