Chelsea v Liverpool - A very different game with real defensive concerns for Chelsea.

Just three days on from the victory over Liverpool at Anfield and that Eden Hazard stunner to win the game 2-1, we take on Jurgen Klopp’s side again, this time in the Premier League and in my view, it will be a very different game with real defensive concerns becoming apparent. 

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We must expect the tried and trusted front three of Firminho, Mane and Salah will take their place in the starting line-up up against our tried and trusted back four of Azpilicueta, Rudiger, Luiz and Alonso. I am concerned.

Chelsea have demonstrated so far this season that they are happy to push forward in their high press in the opposition half to win the ball back, at times leaving themselves exposed in-behind our midfield and in-front of our back four. Jorginho lacks bite in defensive transitions and as I have said before, demonstrates powder-puff ability in the tackle. If you then take N’Golo Kante’s position being ten-to-fifteen yards further forward than he should be in addition, then we are in for real trouble on Saturday evening.

Chelsea have real cause to worry Jurgen Klopp and his side as we have also demonstrated our potency up front – apart from West Ham of course, and without doubt we will cause his Liverpool side plenty of problems. With Eden Hazard in your team, you always have a chance literally against anyone.

Chelsea’s midfield three of Kovacic, Kante and the rested Jorginho will look to dominate the ball with the latter looking to provide the spark to our attack. As I said it’s what he offers without the ball that is the concern. I have to admit his use of the ball is excellent and if we can play through their midfield into the likes of Eden Hazard and Willian who are expected to start, we should be able to test the mettle of this lot who currently sit top of the League.

Alvaro Morata keeps plugging away with no real reward for the moment and at times he is even struggling to get the same understanding that Eden Hazard has with Olivier Giroud. It’s for that reason and the fact that the Frenchman was rested the other night that Morata will take his place on the bench once again.

West Ham last weekend was a totally different proposition to Liverpool. Manuel Pellegrini’s side looked to smother us and negate any space in their defensive third to play counter-attacking football. It worked with Chelsea becoming more than frustrated as they looked to unlock the door and find that killer pass.

Liverpool will not come to Stamford Bridge to do the same, they will look to play on front foot and to take the game to us. With Maurizio Sarri’s style combined with Wurzel Klopp, it should be an open and entertaining game.

Can Chelsea deal with the attacking talent up top for Liverpool well enough to then kick on and win the game? At the moment, your guess is as good as mine.

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