Paul Merson has predicted the score for the upcoming clash between Liverpool and Chelsea at Anfield.
Chelsea travel to Liverpool this Sunday afternoon for a fascinating match in the Premier League between two sides that have started the season very strongly.
The Blues went into the October international break sitting fourth in the league table after seven games, which represents a positive beginning for Enzo Maresca as the new head coach. However, they're now preparing to face a Liverpool side sitting at the top of the division flying under Arne Slot.
During a recent interview with Stadium Astro, Maresca insisted Chelsea will try to play their football on their visit to Liverpool.
Paul Merson predicts Liverpool vs Chelsea
Paul Merson can't separate the teams when making his prediction for Liverpool versus Chelsea this weekend.
"Chelsea have become better since that defeat to Manchester City in the opening weekend. So this is a real test. I expect goals in this game. I worry for Chelsea only because they're playing at Anfield. When Liverpool close teams down at Anfield, they really suffocate you," Merson told Sportskeeda.
"I think Virgil van Dijk can handle Nicolas Jackson. If Chelsea end up beating Liverpool's press, they can score. That's still a big challenge for the Blues though. If Liverpool win, they start looking like genuine contenders. If Chelsea go to Liverpool and get a good result, we'll all go 'wow, this is good'.
"Chelsea must prove they are not flat track bullies and start getting results against the big boys. Liverpool have two brilliant South American players in Alexis Mac Allister and Luis Diaz. If they don't both play on Sunday, then it's advantage Chelsea. But despite their long travel during the international break, they still have an extra day to rest unlike last month against Forest...
"This game could go either way because Chelsea are playing well. I'm going for a draw since I believe Chelsea can beat the press and cause Liverpool some problems.
"Prediction: Liverpool 2-2 Chelsea."
Expect goals at Anfield
Based off Chelsea's form in the last couple of months, we're expecting to see another goal fest this weekend in Liverpool.
In Chelsea's seven league matches this season, there's been a total of 24 goals. They've scored 16 times with an eye-catching attack, but they've conceded eight goals with a defence that's still gelling together and trying to find some consistency.
There's been a touch of chaos and unpredictability in every Blues fixture this campaign, so it makes for an intriguing visit to the league leaders.
For the Blues, they're without defenders Wesley Fofana and Marc Cucurella on Sunday due to suspension. Therefore, we'd guess that Tosin Adarabioyo and Renato Veiga will step into the XI to form a new-look backline.
Chelsea left-back Veiga, 21, has been excellent since his summer arrival. He could now have the daunting task of directly coming up against Liverpool superstar Mohamed Salah, though.
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