Premier League: Battles on display when Liverpool welcome Chelsea to Anfield

The first top-of-the-table clash and we have Chelsea travelling to Anfield to take on Liverpool – a proper third vs. second, and it’s only Matchday 3 of the English Premier League.

Heading into the game both English giants have been enjoying exceptional, 100% starts to their respective campaigns; both won their opening two fixtures, both have kept two clean sheets each, and have scored five goals apiece – only the alphabet separates these two.

Last season, after the turn of the year from 2019 to 2020, this one was almost straightforward to predict – that because of the change in power over at Stamford Bridge in the appointment of Thomas Tuchel and the downgrade in form the Reds were expressing strangely over a long period.

Now we have some of the best in the world all on one pitch together at the same time and because of the summer deals completed and the return of mammoth figures in each team, we are in for one of the best duels for the 29th Premier League edition.

Without any further ado, let’s take a look at what battles will be happening all over the pitch when Liverpool entertain Chelsa for a shot to go top of the table and to continue on their flawless run.

Jurgen Klopp vs Thomas Tuchel; the pair of Germans have imposed their style of football on the English game like it’s nobody’s business.

Last year when the pair met, Klopp had a second-strength backline and suffered defeat to Tuchel in a 0-1 ball game at the same venue – Anfield will not be as welcoming later today – the roaring crowd is back!

Jurgen Klopp’s numbers in the EPL

• 222 Matches
• 140 wins
• 50 Draws
• 32 Losses

Thomas Tuchel had a hand in the Reds poorest run under Klopp and in the club’s history; his Chelsea side were the fifth team to beat them at home in a six-game losing streak on home soil. But now things are a lot different and no season is like the last.

Thomas Tuchel’s numbers in the EPL

• 222 Matches
• 140 wins
• 50 Draws
• 32 Losses

This is Tuchel’s first full EPL campaign in charge and we know the English top-flight comes with its demands and this Liverpool gauntlet in front of a full capacity Anfield crowd, is one he has come across on the European stage and with PSG but not with Chelsea and in the Premier League.

Record against each other

• Klopp – 9 Wins
• Tuchel – 3 Wins
• Points shared – 3 Draws

Klopp has been the supreme figure of the two German managers and has 9 wins from the 15 meetings between the two men. However, Tuchel has won the last three of their encounters against each other, two with PSG and once with Chelsea.

Trent Alexander-Arnold and Reece James are not on the same side of the pitch but the battle for who is England and the Premier League’s best right-back happens in this encounter.

Both Trent and James have been in scintillating form since club action has resumed; assets not only in defence but on the attacking end of the pitch as well. The two lead the pack of EPL RB’s, that’s for sure.

But the debate of who is better of the two just never dies and will continue as long as they are fighting for the same honours. Last weekend TAA picked up an assist and was showing off his passing skills for the 90 minutes against Burnley.

The Blues boy, Reece, he went one better and collected an assist for Lukaku’s welcome-back piece and a goal to take the game away from London rivals, Arsenal. Trent’s passing range, far more superior compared to Reece’s – and on a defensive front – the Blues boy takes the crown.

Expect their names to come up a lot throughout the 90 minutes because many things go through them on the pitch for the respective team.

James will have to prove his mettle against an in-form Sadio Mane – it is going to be one gruelling battle on the left flank.

Both strong and quick, with or without the ball at their feet. This contest is always one to look forward to. Making the duel even more anticipated, Mane’s form has improved thanks to a full preseason under his belt and will pose more of a threat to James this time around.

What are we gearing up for? James pushed back and kept for most of the time in his own half? Or, James keeping both Mane and Robbo silent for the whole 90? Talking Robbo, the well-performing Greek Scouser, Tsimikas, will be dropped for the Scott.

Robbo is more equipped for this one and will add extra pressure to RJ’s game. It is going to be a busy day for all on the left-hand side.

Can Alonso prove his haters wrong? Can he keep the majestic Mo Salah at bay and scoreless in this one?

Alonso, like Trent from Merseyside, is regarded as a liability in defensive by some fans but renowned for his attacking prowess. Despite this, he has started every game for Tuchel this season and doesn’t look like he will be sitting on the bench anytime soon.

Also, this will be the first real and notable test he faces as we head into Matchday 3. A rebuilding Palace and a broken Gunners was his competition before this – he passed both hurdles. What he must prep for now is a hungry Mo.

Salah drew a blank in last week’s win against Burnley, having a goal disallowed. He will be wanting to add his name to the scoresheet again in this fixture. His last one against Chelsea at Anfield went down in the history books.

This area in particular is stacked with talent and players normally put up against each other for the debate of who is the best in their respective position.

It is so stacked for both clubs, predicting who starts for either team is quite difficult. One thing is certain, whatever midfield wins the battle in the middle of the park, will go on to win this game.

A Mason Mount and Fabinho battle should be on today. A Jordan Henderson and Mateo Kovacic duel could be one of the many fights as well. Or will it be Thiago and N’Golo Kante? Or Kante and Keita? Or will it be a surprising midfield selection to throw us all off, including the opposing manager?

Will Jorginho prove he is the best number 6 in the house when he goes up against the ever-reliable Fabinho? Like TAA and RJ fights for bragging rights, so do these two.

Liverpool predicted midfield: Fabinho, Jordan Henderson, Keita

Chelsea’s predicted midfield: Mason Mount, Kai Havertz, Jorginho, Kovacic

Who is winning the battle in the middle of the pitch?

A battle for the ages this one will be. Lukaku’s presence brings so much to the EPL and the test for the best centre-back in the league is well and truly on.

Virgil van Dijk and Joel Matip are both back from long-term injuries while Romelu Lukaku returns after a short holiday spent in Italy. However, during that holiday, the Belgian enhanced his abilities, most notably his strength.

We watched him bully Pablo Mari and co. around in Chelsea’s 2-0 win over Arsenal and honestly, totally dominated and commanded the area just around the big box and inside the penalty area.

All English Premier League

Is van Dijk a pushover though? Not that we know of. Two clean sheets showcase his and his partner’s expertise at defending – but we do know – it is Matip that will be heavily targetted by Lukaku.

Just recovering from major setbacks and going up against the monster that is 6 ft 3, will be their toughest challenge to date – especially van Dijk – who is the benchmark in the discussion of the world’s best CB.

The good thing is, they played a Burnley side with a big forward in Ashley Barnes and normally is a pushy guy. It was good prep work for VVD and the always animated Joel Matip, but was it enough to make the jump to Lukaku?

I cannot wait to see it!

This combined XI of Liverpool and Chelsea is taken from the opening two games ( it is also my own opinion so don’t kill me)

Goalkeeper: Alisson
Right Back – Reece James
Centre Back – Virgil van Dijk
Centre Back – Joel Matip
Left Back – Trent Alexander-Arnold (the only way you fitting in both)
Midfield – Jorginho
Midfield – Mateo Kovacic
Midfield – Jordan Henderson
Forward – Diogo Jota
Forward – Romelu Lukaku
Forward – Mohamed Salah

Score prediction:
Liverpool 4-2 Chelsea