Liverpool and Chelsea are set to go head to head on Saturday and the Blues will be without Christian Pulisic.
The American is in quarantine and although he has been selected to play for the USMNT for next month’s World Cup qualifiers, the €64million winger is certain to miss the Liverpool game.
The American is a dangerous player and while he hasn’t always been the first name on the team sheet under Thomas Tuchel he was superb against Liverpool when the Reds won 5-3 at Anfield when they lifted the Premier League trophy in 2020.
Meanwhile, there were fears Hakim Ziyech would miss the clash with a serious shoulder injury but he played 8 minutes against Arsenal and should feature on the bench at least.
Chelsea’s Hakim Ziyech (right) attempts a shot on goal during the Premier League match at the Emirates Stadium, London. Picture date: Sunday August 22, 2021. (Photo by Nick Potts/PA Images via Getty Images)
The transfer window is almost over and while Liverpool have made just one signing, I couldn’t be more excited for it to slam shut and bring to an end all the rumours and speculation.
The Premier League and Champions League are back and with it, FPL has returned and the excitement of who will win each game and this weekend will be Liverpool’s first major game of the season.
Chelsea visit Anfield and a win will put the Reds in the early season driving seat for the title race and of all the title favourites, Jurgen Klopp’s side will be the only ones to have a 100% record after the first three games despite being the only manager to not spend £100million.
Romelu Lukaku is a player that will obviously have a say in whether or not Liverpool win this weekend but the Reds are a lot stronger than they have received credit for.
LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 22: Romelu Lukaku of Chelsea scores their side’s first goal past Bernd Leno of Arsenal during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Chelsea at Emirates Stadium on August 22, 2021 in London, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)
Obviously, a major advantage that Liverpool have is in Virgil van Dijk.
The Dutchman makes supporters feel so safe when he’s on the pitch as he more often than not makes the correct decision and even when he second-guesses himself, he’s got the physical attributes to bail himself out of tricky situations.
The 30-year-old will also be able to rely on Joel Matip to deal with Lukaku but it’s going to be a fascinating game and will be a lot more like the old Liverpool vs. Chelsea matches than in recent years.
