Frank Lampard's first big test at home at Chelsea boss couldn't have come any harder. Liverpool, having won all five of their games, are two points ahead of Manchester City and have the opportunity to reestablish their five point advantage.
Both sides suffered losses in the Champions League this week so will be fired up to try and make amends for their results. Chelsea lost Mason Mount to a horrendous tackle and he may not be fit to play. Liverpool are still without Alisson in goal but there is a boost for Klopp as Naby Keita is available for the first time this season.
Liverpool are always at the best when their opposition gives their front three space to exploit. Lampard has instilled a very expansive style of play at Chelsea which has left them vulnerable in defence, and that could help Liverpool today if Firmino, Mane and Salah are at their clinical best and not like they were in Naples.
Chelsea have scored 11 goals this season, all by young Englishmen, but have conceded a staggering 11 as well. Lampard has switched to three in defence and conceded two against Wolves and lost to Valencia. It's still early days into Lampard's tenure but he still doesn't seem to know what his preferred formation is. The hope is that an extra defender will make them more solid - that makes sense - but attacking nature leaves a large gap between defence to attack that Firmino will slot into. If Chelsea can keep the Brazilian quiet then they have a chance.
Klopp seemed to favour Joe Gomez at right back for big away games last season but without Alexander-Arnold, they did not have the same threat down the right side. He should play today and Klopp will use the MK Dons game in midweek to make many changes and rotate the squad around. It is a must win game for Liverpool as they need to bounce back from their defeat to Napoli and respond to Manchester City's 8-0 drubbing of Watford.
I expect Liverpool to prevail but I think it will be close. Chelsea will miss Mount's goal threat from midfield and Liverpool's front three should play much better. 2-1 Liverpool, Firmino and Salah but Abraham to get on for Chelsea.
Liverpool are always at the best when their opposition gives their front three space to exploit. Lampard has instilled a very expansive style of play at Chelsea which has left them vulnerable in defence, and that could help Liverpool today if Firmino, Mane and Salah are at their clinical best and not like they were in Naples.
Chelsea have scored 11 goals this season, all by young Englishmen, but have conceded a staggering 11 as well. Lampard has switched to three in defence and conceded two against Wolves and lost to Valencia. It's still early days into Lampard's tenure but he still doesn't seem to know what his preferred formation is. The hope is that an extra defender will make them more solid - that makes sense - but attacking nature leaves a large gap between defence to attack that Firmino will slot into. If Chelsea can keep the Brazilian quiet then they have a chance.
Klopp seemed to favour Joe Gomez at right back for big away games last season but without Alexander-Arnold, they did not have the same threat down the right side. He should play today and Klopp will use the MK Dons game in midweek to make many changes and rotate the squad around. It is a must win game for Liverpool as they need to bounce back from their defeat to Napoli and respond to Manchester City's 8-0 drubbing of Watford.
I expect Liverpool to prevail but I think it will be close. Chelsea will miss Mount's goal threat from midfield and Liverpool's front three should play much better. 2-1 Liverpool, Firmino and Salah but Abraham to get on for Chelsea.
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