EVENLY MATCHED

Chelsea may have landed the first blow in mid-week’s League Cup win over Liverpool but they can’t afford to take the Reds lightly who are unbeaten in the league this season. With both teams willing to play an attacking brand of football, HT looks at how they are placed for Saturday’s blockbuster clash:

FORWARDLINE

Liverpool have an advantage in this area with the trio of Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane presenting them with a better balance than Chelsea attackers.

The Blues are heavily dependent on Eden Hazard (left) in the final third in the absence of a potent goal-scorer upfront. The Belgian so far has answered the call with five goals in the league and mid-week’s League Cup goal against the same opponents will have the Reds on their toes.

THE DEFENCE

Under Virgil van Dijk’s watch, the Reds’ defence has conceded only two goals so far and seems to be better marshalled than Chelsea. Also, the Blues are sweating over the injuries to regular centre-back pairing of Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen. If they fail to recover, manager Sarri may have to go in with reserves Gary Cahill and David Luiz.

A lot will also depend on how the wing backs perform. Chelsea will line up with Marcos Alonso on the left and Cesar Azpilicueta on right, while Liverpool will have Andrew Robertson on left and Alexander-Arnold on the right.

QUICK FACTS

Liverpool are looking to win their first seven matches of a top-flight campaign for only the second time, after doing so in 1990/91. Chelsea are the only side to win their opening seven PL fixtures, in 2005/06. Liverpool’s run of 14 league matches without a clean sheet against Chelsea is their longest against a top flight opponent since a streak of 17 against Blackburn.