After that defeat to Manchester City at Stamford Bridge (0-2) at the start of the Premier League, few took Chelsea seriously. Under the leadership of American billionaire Todd Boehly, the Blues seemed to be headed towards disaster, with frequent managerial changes, and even the prestigious trophies inherited from Russian tycoon Roman Abramovich collecting dust.Enzo Maresca wasn’t exactly welcomed as a savior in West London either, but it seems that Guardiola’s influence is taking root on the Island. Besides Maresca, there’s another disciple, Mikel Arteta at Arsenal. The former assistant to the Catalan at City, having guided Leicester back to the top flight, hinted at a renaissance at Stamford Bridge. Chelsea are contenders for the UEFA Champions League (UCL), though the defending champions Manchester City, along with Liverpool and Arsenal, are still considered bigger title threats. Liverpool and the Gunners have suffered defeats this season, while City remains the only unbeaten team at the start of one of the world’s toughest leagues.The Cityzens did not have a good time last time they were at the wolf’s denChelsea’s toughest away challenge so far this season comes today (6.30 PM EAT) when they visit Liverpool at Anfield. Arne Slot’s side had a somewhat easier start to their campaign, but that doesn’t diminish their excellent start under the Dutchman’s guidance after the brilliant era with Jürgen Klopp.Cole Palmer is currently the best player on the Island. He’s playing fantastically, the star of both the team and the league, and he made headlines after scoring four goals in the first half against Brighton. How good is Chelsea? Is the team being underestimated compared to expectations before the season? Maresca might get his answer at Anfield.The Italian coach warned his players ahead of the derby that they can’t rely solely on Palmer.”If we think Cole will solve all our problems, that would be a big mistake. We’ve put a lot of pressure on his shoulders, and that’s wrong,” Maresca said, adding: “We have Madueke, Pedro Neto, Nicolas Jackson, Christopher Nkunku, Enzo Fernandez… It’s not just about Cole, but about the entire team.”Liverpool v Chelsea. A blockbuster encounter that delivers show-stopping goals! 💫 pic.twitter.com/FhelkYzohK— Premier League (@premierleague) October 20, 2024 Nkunku is the team’s top scorer with seven goals, Madueke scored a hat-trick against Wolverhampton, while Jackson has four goals, suggesting that Chelsea is not solely dependent on Cole Palmer.The Blues haven’t won at Anfield since March 2021. Maresca is downplaying the pressure on his team, stating that they are not contenders for the title alongside Liverpool, City, and Arsenal.”I don’t think Chelsea is close to these clubs at the moment for many reasons, but we’re certainly working hard every day to be closer to Liverpool. The only way to do that is by improving on the things we’re not doing well,” emphasized Maresca.Chelsea will be weakened in defense. Marc Cucurella and Wesley Fofana are suspended. Captain Reece James is finally available for selection, having been out for a long time. The right-back hasn’t started a Premier League match in 11 months. The London team’s manager stated that James can only play one match per week.Liverpool FC are clear of Chelsea when it comes to their all-time head-to-head 🥶🔴 pic.twitter.com/ceWFgmvGgM— OneFootball (@OneFootball) October 19, 2024 Liverpool have defeated only Manchester United among the stronger teams, with their sole defeat surprisingly coming at Anfield against Nottingham Forest (0-1). Last season, Liverpool got the better of Chelsea in their head-to-head matchups. At home, they won 4-1, while the match at Stamford Bridge ended in a 1-1 draw. The Reds won the League Cup with a 1-0 triumph over Chelsea at Wembley after extra time, with captain Virgil van Dijk scoring the only goal in the 118th minute. The Reds will be without their first-choice goalkeeper Alisson Becker and Elliott, while Italian Federico Chiesa is doubtful.ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE – MATCHDAY 8SaturdayTottenham – West Ham 4-1 (1-1)/Kulusevski 36, Bissouma 52, Todibo 55 og, Son 60 – Kudus 18/Fulham – Aston Villa 1-3 (1-1)/Jimenez 5 – Rogers 9, Watkins 58, Diop 69 og/Ipswich – Everton 0-2 (0-2)/Ndiaye 18, Keane 40/Man.Utd. – Brentford 2-1 (0-1)/Garnacho 46, Hojlund 62 – Pinnock 45+5/Newcastle – Brighton 0-1 (0-1)/Welbeck 35/Southampton – Leicester 2-3 (2-0)/Archer 8, Aribo 28 – Buonanote 64, Vardy 73 pen, Ayew 90+7/Bournemouth – Arsenal 2-0 (0-0)/Christie 70, Kluivert 79 pen/Sunday16:00: (8.00) Wolverhampton (5.30) Man.City (1.35)18:30: (1.70) Liverpool (4.10) Chelsea (5.20)Monday22:00: (2.30) Nott.Forest (3.30) Crystal Palace (3.20)***odds are subject to change***
