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Everything to Know about Liverpool vs. Chelsea: Schedule, How to Watch
New Reds manager Arne Slot has his club perched atop the Premier League table, but now they face their first major test of the season against Cole Palmer and the Blues.
New Liverpool manager Arne Slot entered the season with the tough task of succeeding Jurgen Klopp — who left behind one of greatest legacies in the history of the club.
The Dutchman certainly has not wilted under that pressure.
Boasting the stingiest defense in the Premier League and an opportunistic attack led by forwards Luis Diaz and Mohammed Salah, Liverpool currently sits in first place after the first seven matches with firm designs on a title. With so much uncertainty hovering over whether or not Manchester City will be docked points amid an ongoing legal hearing over 115 charges of financial wrongdoing, the opportunity seems to be there for a talented club.
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Slot’s squad, however, has feasted on the lower half of the table thus far and has yet to be tested by a formidable opponent this young season. Until now.
Fourth place Chelsea heads to Anfield this Sunday for a clash of titans under the tutelage of its own new manager. Enzo Maresca, who has his club in the midst of a six-match unbeaten streak.
Chelsea Football Club owners Clearlake Capital and American businessman Todd Boehly have rightfully developed a reputation for chewing up and spitting out managers — with Maresca being the fourth in two years. The Italian, however, was signed to a five-year contract, a vote of confidence after he led Leicester City to a Championship title and a promotion back to the Premier League. The early returns look good.
Of course it helps to have Cole Palmer, arguably the best attacking midfielder in the game, in your lineup. The 22-year-old budding English superstar scored four goals in the first half of Chelsea’s rout over Brighton – a first in the history of the Premier League.
Sunday’s tilt between the Reds and the Blues is shaping up to be one for the ages.
Where and When to Watch Liverpool vs. Manchester United
The match kicks off Sunday, October 20 at 11:30 a.m. Eastern Time at Anfield in Liverpool, England, and will be broadcast on USA Network and Telemundo.
Liverpool News: Salah, van Dijk, and Alexander-Arnold Contract Limbo Remains a Distraction
Three of the top players on Liverpool are playing out their last seasons on their current contracts, with club continuing to be stingy with official updates on their statuses. Salah may be turning 33 in June, but he remains one of the most dynamic goal-scorers in the world and one of the team’s most popular players. Captain Virgil van Dijk and young star Trent Alexander-Arnold are major lynchpins of the best defense in the Premier League. There is a very real possibility that one or more will be gone as soon as the January transfer window, putting more pressure on Slot to take advantage of their presence on the Reds this season.
With starter Alisson out until deep in November with a hamstring industry, the responsibility falls on backup goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher to keep Chelsea off the scoresheet. The Republic of Ireland international has made no secret of his desire to shed the label of the best backup in the Premier League and be a starter – so he gets a great opportunity to show off his skill against a strong offensive team.
Chelsea News: Suspensions to Cucurella and Fofana Leaves Defense Thin
One of the casualties of the aforementioned managerial carousel at Chelsea, Thomas Tuchel, has been announced as manager of England. The German, who was fired by The Blues just six matches into the 2022/23 season despite leading the club to a Champions League title the previous season, was tapped as manager of England this week.
Defenders Marc Cucurella and Wesley Fofana will be serving suspensions this weekend for accumulations of yellow cards in Chelsea’s chippy Oct. 6 tie with Nottingham Forrest. That leaves Enzo without half of his usual, dominant back four.
The club did receive some good news on the health front with the return of defensive stalwart Reece James to practice. He is not likely to be ready to return to the pitch for the Liverpool match, but having one of the best fullbacks in the league in the lineup will eventually pay off as competition heats up.
Who Are the Liverpool and Stars to Watch
Chelsea: Palmer, with a staggering six goals and five assists in the first seven matches, rightfully gets most of the headlines, but the rest of Chelsea’s young midfield is dominant as well. That starts with 23-year-old Argentinian Enzo Fernandez, who was acquired in January 2023 for a then transfer record of 106.8 million pounds and has turned out to be worth every pence. Enzo sets the tempo for his club; and provides world class defensive play.
Winger Noni Madueke showed off his scoring prowess and his vast potential with a second half hattrick against the Wolverhampton Wolves earlier this season. Making the feat even more impressive: Madueke scored his three goals in just 14 minutes. Senegalese striker Nicolas Johnson has contributed four goals and three assists, both second best on the team.
Liverpool: Forward Luis Diaz, who leads Liverpool with five goals, carried his hot streak during the international break, contributing a goal to Colombia’s 4-0 route over Chile. He seems to be fully back in form after a severe knee injury two years ago.
Midfielder Ryan Gravenberch has thrived in Slot’s system, emerging as the defensive force that he struggled to be at Bayern Munich before coming across the Pond last season. Just 22 years old, Gravenberch has potential to be even more dominant.
