Liverpool begin their 2023/24 Premier League campaign with a trip to face Chelsea at Stamford Bridge after what has been a chaotic few days involving both clubs in the transfer market.
The Reds and the Londoners have gone to head to head and as things stand seemingly remain somewhat in a battle for the captures of Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia – albeit the former appears to be Chelsea bound despite a Britsh record transfer bid being accepted earlier in the week from the Anfield club.
On the pitch, these encounters last season were somewhat drab affairs as both sides found themselves floundering way short of their expectations and ultimately two goalless draws with little in the way of drama were fitting results following on from two closely fought Wembley domestic cup finals a year earlier.
Chelsea v Liverpool | The Match Preview
However, with both sides desperately seeking reinforcements in the defensive midfield capacity, it seems unlikely this clash will provide as little in the way of goalmouth action.
Furthermore, Jurgen Klopp’s side have been somewhat vulnerable throughout pre-season and even the clean sheet earned against Leicester City was rather flattering.
Still without a recognised number six and with a system seemingly still bedding in Liverpool will be reliant on their extraordinary firepower for the opening weeks of the season and with Mohamed Salah, Luis Diaz, Diogo Jota, Darwin Nunez, Cody Gakpo and the lightning-fast Ben Doak all fit and firing during the build-up, attack could well be the best form of defence for Klopp.
Predicted XI
Despite using a host of potential options over the course of pre-season, much of today’s lineup picks itself either due to form, fitness or transfer inactivity.
The backline in particular seems a no-brainer for Klopp as his first-choice options continue to prove they are by far and away the standout operators in the new system, albeit Andy Robertson may have to further curb his enthusiasm for marauding runs forwards.
In midfield, the much talked about absent specialist six remains the sticking point and new signing Alexis Mac Allister seems the favourite to fill the void on a temporary basis. Fellow summer arrival Dominik Szoboszlai is likely to make his first competitive start for The Reds and it looks to be a toss-up between two of the victorious Euro U21 winners for the third spot.
The aforementioned wealth of options in the attacking department could well give Klopp the biggest headache today, with only Mohamed Salah a surefire starter at present.
My XI: Alisson; Trent Alexander Arnold, Ibrahima Konate, Virgil van Dijk, Andy Robertson; Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai, Harvey Elliott; Mohamed Salah, Diogo Jota, Cody Gakpo.
ALISSON PLAYS ALLEZ AS LIVERPOOL UNVEIL NIKE 3RD KIT! | BOSS NIGHT SECRET GIG
Redmen Reacts
Although nothing hits quite like the buzz of a new season, had we pulled off the transfer of Caicedo this week we’d of been bouncing into this and the campaign with extreme confidence, but as it is, it’s uncertainty that reigns supreme.
Whilst I have full faith we can get the season off to a flying start with a victory and indeed produce the same in the coming weeks, the need for further reinforcements won’t ever be far from my mind.
Anyway, all that to one side, this is a Chelsea side that has lost Christopher Nkunku on the eve of the season, has itself undergone major surgery over the summer and is actually further back from us right now in every department, therefore, I’m backing us to get the job done 3-1 in the capital.
