Only a week to go before the Premier League returns at Anfield as Liverpool will take on Chelsea on 20th October. The Reds stand top of the table with six wins and one loss, one point clear of second-placed Manchester City.
The Blues on the other hand are fourth in the league with four wins two draws and one loss. With 14 points to their name, they are four points behind Liverpool.
This clash is going to be a crucial one for both clubs after the international break. Liverpool will try to stay further clear of second place and Chelsea will try inching closer towards the top of the table.
With only a single botch in both teams’ sheets, the English clubs will want to avoid any further zero pointers. Both second-placed Manchester City and third-placed Arsenal have avoided any losses so far hence competing is going to be a challenge unless any of the clubs give in.
The Reds will remain the favourites as Arne Slot’s men haven’t disappointed except against Nottingham Forest. Enzo Maresca’s men on the other hand had a tough time against Manchester City and drew one-pointers against Forest and Crystal Palace.
Enzo Maresca will miss four players against Liverpool on EPL return day
The draw against Nottingham Forest didn’t only cost two points to The Blues but there were further implications post final whistle.
A mass confrontation between players has resulted in a huge fine slap on Chelsea’s face. The Blues faced six yellow cards that match and the London-based outfit is due to pay a £50,000 fine to the Football Association.
Being the second time to see yellow six or more times this season, the fine was coming for The Blues as this violated many Premier League rules.
It was defender duo Marc Cucurella and Wesley Fofana’s fifth booking this season hence both won’t be available for the clash against Liverpool.
Midfielder Omari Kellyman is also set on missing an Anfield debut as The Blues player is yet to recover from his injury. Kellyman joined Chelsea from Aston Villa and is yet to debut for the West London outfit.
Omari suffered a hamstring injury last month and is still in the infirmary. There are also doubts over midfielder Carney Chukwuemeka’s availability.
The English youth international has missed the last two games due to illness. In total, Enzo Maresca might miss four players when Chelsea visit Anfield for one of the most crucial clashes of the season.