Chelsea vs Liverpool tips and predictions: Slot’s machine to crank back up at Stamford Bridge

Chelsea state of play

It's been an indifferent start to the season for Enzo Maresca's Chelsea. The Blues are currently eighth in the table, seven points behind early pace setters Liverpool. They collapsed against Brighton last weekend, slumping to a 3-1 defeat. 

Trevoh Chalobah was sent packing in the second half and the west Londoners collapsed having been in cruise control for the first 45 minutes. 

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However, Chelsea did edge out Benfica in the Champions League on Tuesday with a 1-0 win that ruined Jose Mourinho's Stamford Bridge homecoming.

Joao Pedro was sent off in the sixth minute of stoppage time for a second yellow card. It was Chelsea's third red card in four games.

Liverpool state of play 

Liverpool were derailed by Crystal Palace last weekend despite their influx of expensive signings in the summer. 

Alexander Isak, the Reds' record £125m buy from Newcastle, was handed his first league start at Selhurst Park but is still lacking match fitness after the protracted transfer saga. Arne Slot’s stars also endured a 1-0 defeat in the Champions League on Tuesday. 

Victor Osimhen gave Galatasaray the lead after 16 minutes from the penalty spot after Dominik Soboszlai fouled Baris Alper Yilmaz in the box.

Influential shot stopper Alisson will now miss the game against Chelsea after picking up an injury in the Istanbul showdown

Inside the 90: Chelsea vs Liverpool 

The stat line indicates this will be an evenly matched bout between two attack heavy teams but it could be won and lost on Liverpool's new-look front line against Chelsea's recent ill-discipline proving costly.

Key talking point: Can Florian Wirtz find his groove?  

The talented attacker was expected to hit the ground running at Liverpool. However, so far, the £116m new boy has struggled to hit top gear. 

He was benched for the Merseyside derby last month although was subsequently back in the first-team fold for the clash with Crystal Palace. 

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The 22-year-old didn't make an impact in south London and struggled throughout. All eyes are now on the former Bayer Leverkusen ace as the pressure begins to build. 

FIRST’s top tip for Chelsea vs Liverpool 

Pick: Mo Salah first goalscorer at 9/2 (Betfred)

Salah has also had a slow start to the season following his stunning showing last term (34 goals in all competitions). 

But write off the Egyptian ace at your peril. Salah's stats are still solid - two goals and two assists in six Premier League fixtures. 

He looks surprisingly low on confidence but could relish getting back on track against a side that jettisoned him after just 13 Premier League appearances.   

Extra tips

Pick: Reece James assist at 11/2 (Betfred)

The England international replaced Gusto in the 80th minute against Benfica and played impressively for the remainder of the game. 

In the 10 minutes he was on the pitch, James made one block, one interception, and two recoveries. 

But it's on the assist front where he looks good value. James has notched 18 assists over his Blues career - including one already this season.  

Pick: Marc Cucurella yellow card at 5/2 (Ladbrokes)

Eyebrows have been raised regarding Chelsea's recent disciplinary record - and Cucurella loves a booking. 

He was cautioned against Brighton last weekend and racked up eight in total last term. This season he's also already made nine fouls in the Premier League.  

Team news

Cole Palmer remains out of action. Maresca confirmed last week that the decision had been taken to rest the England ace until after the October international break. 

Liam Delap is sidelined until at least November with a hamstring issue. 

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Levi Colwill is a long-term casualty after damaging his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in the summer. Trevoh Chalobah (suspension), Dario Essugo (thigh) and Mykhailo Mudryk (suspension) are also ruled out.

For Liverpool, Giovanni Leoni is facing a lengthy spell in the treatment room after suffering an ACL injury in the Carabao Cup last week.  Hugo Ekitike is a doubt after the midweek Champions League fixture and goalkeeper Alisson will not feature in west London. 

Chelsea vs Liverpool predicted line-ups

Chelsea: Sanchez; Gusto, Acheampong, Badiashile, Cucurella; James, Caicedo, Fernandez; Neto, Estevao; Pedro (4-3-3)

Liverpool: Mamardashvili; Bradley, Van Dijk, Konate, Kerkez; Gravenberch, Mac Allister; Salah, Szoboszlai; Wirtz; Isak (4-2-3-1)

Form guide (including friendlies)

Chelsea: WDWWDLLWLW

Liverpool: LWWWWWWWLL

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Odds correct at the time of writing.