Premier League Action Returns: Chelsea’s Anfield Showdown Against Liverpool

After the international break, Premier League action returns in thrilling fashion with Chelsea's visit to Liverpool, set for the primetime Sunday slot. This clash pits the league's tightest defense against the top scorers on the road, as club historian Rick Glanvill and statistician Paul Dutton provide key insights ahead of the highly anticipated fixture.

Anfield, Chelsea's most-visited away ground, will host its 94th Chelsea encounter, and this will be the first under new Liverpool manager Arne Slot. The former Feyenoord boss, who took charge this summer, has guided the Reds to an impressive early lead in the league standings. Slot’s success has exceeded Kop fans' expectations in the post-Klopp era.

Chelsea, under the guidance of Enzo Maresca, currently sit fourth in the table, just four points behind Liverpool. The Blues boast a perfect away record this season, having won five consecutive road games stretching back to the end of last season. A victory at Anfield would see Maresca become just the fifth Premier League manager to win each of their first four away matches, joining an elite group that includes Liverpool’s current boss.

Chelsea face a challenging run of fixtures in the coming weeks, including a Conference League trip to Athens, a cup and league double-header against Newcastle United, and clashes with Manchester United and Arsenal.

Despite a mixed recent record at Anfield, including two draws and a loss, Chelsea will aim for victory in Merseyside, with memories of Mason Mount’s winner in 2021 still fresh. Notably, the Blues have remained unbeaten in their last 30 Premier League matches when leading at half-time.

Team News

Chelsea are targeting their fourth consecutive away victory from the start of the league season, a feat last achieved in 2005/06 and 2008/09. They will be without defenders Wesley Fofana and Marc Cucurella, both suspended due to accumulated yellow cards. Their places could be filled by towering defenders Tosin Adarabioyo and Renato Veiga, though there’s a chance Reece James may return after resuming training this week.

Veiga, fresh from his senior debut for Portugal, has grown into a key figure for Chelsea. The technical ability of Levi Colwill, a crucial cog in Maresca’s defense, complements Tosin’s physical presence. Veiga has also contributed offensively, scoring his first goal for the Blues against Gent.

The midfield duo of Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo will be crucial for Chelsea after returning from international duty. Fernandez, known for his aggressive tackles in the final third, will be vital for creating overloads, while Caicedo’s 16 tackles rank him among the Premier League's top defenders.

Cole Palmer, named Premier League Player of the Month for September, will look to build on his stellar form, having created the most chances from open play in the league. His ability to exploit Liverpool’s high defensive line could prove decisive.

Goalkeeper Robert Sanchez continues to impress, leading the league in saves and sweeper clearances. His command of the box will be essential against Liverpool’s relentless attack.

The History

Chelsea’s last visit to Anfield resulted in a 4-1 loss, reversing a solid run of two draws in previous visits. Historically, victories at Anfield have been rare, but notable moments include Demba Ba’s famous goal in 2013 that dashed Liverpool’s title hopes, and Mason Mount’s lockdown-era winner in 2021.

In terms of away form, Chelsea are currently among the best in the league, tied with their 1997/98 and 2014/15 records for goals scored on the road at this stage. The Blues’ clinical finishing and ability to convert on-target efforts into goals will be crucial as they aim to topple the league leaders.

As both sides have excelled on the road this season, this matchup promises to be a high-stakes battle for supremacy.

Key Stats:

• Chelsea have hit the woodwork five times, trailing only Bournemouth and Manchester United (six).
• 41.1% of Chelsea’s shots have been on target, and 41.0% of those have resulted in goals, marking their efficient attack.
• A win at Anfield would make Chelsea the best away team in the Premier League this season.

The stage is set for an exciting clash at Anfield, where Maresca’s Blues will look to continue their impressive away form and close the gap on Slot’s high-flying Reds.