The soccer is lastly again and Liverpool journey to Stamford Bridge for his or her Premier League opener.
Chelsea vs. Liverpool
Premier League (1) | Stamford Bridge
August 13, 2023 | 4.30pm (BST)
It has been an extended summer time with out Liverpool.
Whereas the extra obsessive of you will have adopted Jurgen Klopp‘s aspect’s pre-season excursions to Germany, Singapore and Preston, they have been no match for the actual factor.
In the best way of the Reds’ first three factors are Chelsea, with whom Liverpool at present discover themselves trapped in a switch standoff for Moises Caicedo and/or Romeo Lavia.
Come Sunday, it is going to be refreshing to see issues settled on the pitch.
Listed here are 10 issues you should know forward of Liverpool’s season opener:
1. No straightforward begins
It’s the hardest opening-day fixture Liverpool have had for some time. Although the Reds drew at Fulham of their first match final season, they’ve file lately.
The Reds have gained eight and drawn two of their final 10 opening-day fixtures, since a 3-0 defeat at West Brom in 2012.
Liverpool have additionally scored not less than two objectives every of the final seven first-day outings.
2. A totally match squad – nicely, virtually
Harm issues plagued Liverpool’s final marketing campaign, however the Reds are in a lot better form at first of this one.
Stefan Bajectic and Thiago have returned to coaching following prolonged lay-offs, however are unlikely to play any half given their lack of match health.
In the meantime, Conor Bradley is the one different doubt to a minor damage, however seemingly wouldn’t be within the squad regardless.
Other than that, the Reds are able to go!
3. “Liverpool FC Reloaded”
One other traditional one-liner from the boss noticed him describe his squad as “reloaded,” serving to to generate pleasure for the brand new season.
Klopp added: “It’s a brand new likelihood for everyone, all people has to step up, the brand new management group and never solely them.”
There does appear to be a renewed vitality across the Reds, however they should again that up on the pitch to maintain the temper constructive.
4. The brand new system to remain
Liverpool’s new on-the-ball formation is ready to play, with the Reds having retained the system in pre-season.
Diogo Jota, Cody Gakpo, Luis Diaz and Darwin Nunez are combating for 2 spots between them whereas Mo Salah stays on the fitting.
There are many choice selections for the supervisor, however midfielders are skinny on the bottom.
Alexis Mac Allister or Curtis Jones is most certainly to play because the holding midfielder this weekend, with little different selection in that division.
Predicted XI: Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Mac Allister, Szoboszlai, Gakpo; Salah, Jota, Diaz
5. The debut-makers
Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai are each set to make their aggressive debuts for the Reds after impressing in pre-season.
Each performed in not less than 4 of Liverpool’s summer time fixtures but in addition suffered setbacks alongside the best way.
They have been simply minor damage worries, although, they usually look able to carry a renewed vitality to Klopp’s midfield.
For Chelsea, it’s supervisor Mauricio Pochettino’s first recreation in cost, and Reece James ought to begin as membership captain for the primary time.
6. Chelsea’s run-up to the sport
One man who gained’t be making his debut on Sunday is Chelsea‘s Christopher Nkunku.
The Frenchman signed in the summertime however has since suffered a critical knee damage that might put him out till the brand new 12 months. Wesley Fofana and Armando Broja are additionally lacking with long-term points.
Like Liverpool, Chelsea performed 5 pre-season fixtures to arrange for the brand new season.
7. A brand new dugout
Pochettino is switching dugouts at Stamford Bridge in multiple approach.
In his pre-match press convention, he confirmed that he can be standing in the identical technical space that he occupied on his visits with Tottenham.
It’s because he has determined to show the outdated away dugout into the brand new dwelling space at Stamford Bridge.
This implies Klopp and co. will now be consigned to the outdated dwelling dugout.
Pochettino reasoned: “We’re transferring I believe, as a result of we now have higher area and I believe it’s higher to be on the fitting.
“I believe it’s the perfect since you are within the center, you’re at dwelling and also you management all the pieces. That for me is essential.”
Pochettino has managed in opposition to Liverpool 16 instances, profitable simply three video games – two of them being as Southampton boss.
8. A battle off the pitch
Tensions will probably be excessive forward of the match as the 2 golf equipment have been vying for a similar gamers within the switch window.
By the point you learn this, issues might have modified, such is the fluid nature of the market.
Liverpool are nonetheless trying to shut a £111 million deal for Brighton‘s Caicedo, however the participant reportedly prefers Chelsea.
In the meantime, the Reds have been after Lavia however their bids have been usurped by a Chelsea supply, which was additionally rejected by Southampton.
One factor’s for positive, neither will probably be taking part in at Stamford Bridge this weekend.
9. Who’s the referee?
Taking cost of Liverpool’s first recreation this season will probably be Anthony Taylor.
The Better Manchester-born official will probably be flanked by Gary Beswick and Adam Nunn, whereas Darren England is the lead VAR.
David Coote would be the fourth official.
10. Comply with the match with TIA
Chelsea vs. Liverpool is reside on Sky Sports activities Premier League with kickoff at 4.30pm (BST), with protection ranging from 4pm.
TIA’s matchday reside weblog will probably be up and working from 3.45pm, with Henry Jackson tasked with holding you entertained and up-to-date.
Come on you Reds!
