Chelsea will host Liverpool at Stamford Bridge on Friday night. It is set to be a fascinating contest between the two most animated managers in the league.

The blues had a disappointing draw against Swansea on Sunday despite dominating most parts of the game. Antonio Conte would want to get back to winning ways this week after having a good start to life in England.

Jürgen Klopp’s men put up an amazing show against the defending champions, Leicester City. Apart from the shocker at Burnley, the Reds have enjoyed a pretty decent start to the campaign despite having tough fixtures to start with.

Team news

Chelsea

Chelsea captain, John Terry is set to miss the clash due to an ankle injury. They are set to field new signing David Luiz in the heart of defence as his replacement.

Cesc Fàbregas is expected to retain his place on the bench with Conte preferring Oscar because of his work-rate.

Kurt Zouma and Marco van Ginkel remain long term absentees.

Probable XI (4-2-3-1): Courtois; Ivanović, Cahill, Luiz, Azpilicueta; Kanté, Matić; Willian, Oscar, Hazard; Costa;

Liverpool

Philippe Coutinho might return to starting XI after missing out last week against Leicester. It would be interesting to see if Klopp drops Sturridge for this game to accommodate Coutinho despite his fine performance against the champions.

Loris Karius has completely recovered from his hand injury. But Simon Mignolet’s recent impressive showing gives Klopp a selection headache.

Dejan Lovren is set to take his place back from Lucas in central defence. The Croatian has missed the last game due to a bruise in the eye. Emre Can will miss the game due to lack of match fitness after recovering from an ankle injury.

Probable XI: (4-3-3): Mignolet; Clyne, Matip, Lovren, Milner; Lallana, Henderson, Wijnaldum; Mané, Firmino, Coutinho;

Player battles

Costa vs Matip

Diego Costa has been in scintillating form so far this season. He is a menace for any opposition and on his day he is almost unplayable. 

Joël Matip will be tasked with keeping the Chelsea forward quiet. Klopp has already expressed his fear of Costa and it’ll be upto Matip to deal with him.

Kanté vs Henderson

Henderson has started this season in decent form. He looks more like the player who became a fan favourite a couple of years back. His energy and work-rate would be vital to keep Kanté away from dominating the midfield. If the Frenchman has his way, then Chelsea could dismantle Liverpool in midfield.

Azpilicueta vs Mané

Sadio Mané has been one of the standout players in the league this season. His pace and finishing has been brilliant to watch.

Cesar Azpilicueta has been a fine defender for Chelsea. He will be tasked with the most difficult job on the pitch – keeping Mané quiet.

Luiz vs Firmino

David Luiz would love to mark his second debut for the club with a good performance. But Firmino will be a very tricky opposition to play against, especially for Luiz who lacks a bit of discipline.

Firmino is a master at making intelligent runs and pulling defenders out of position. If Luiz falls into the trap then Liverpool’s pace and creativity upfront could damage Chelsea.

Predictions

Chelsea playing at home is a big advantage. But given Klopp’s impressive recent performances against the big boys, this match is a tough one to call.

A highly entertaining 1-1 draw would be a fair prediction.

Image Courtesy: ThisIsAnfield