Premier League

Liverpool vs Chelsea prediction

Arguably the biggest fixture of the first month in the 2021-22 Premier League season takes place on Saturday evening as Liverpool host Chelsea at Anfield.

Both teams have started their season impressively with two wins from two; Liverpool winning 3-0 at Norwich City and 2-0 at home to Burnley, whilst Thomas Tuchel’s side have thrashed Crystal Palace 3-0 at Stamford Bridge and won 2-0 at rivals Arsenal.

Virgil van Dijk and Joel Matip are both back in central defence for the Reds as they will have to deal with the likes of Romelu Lukaku and Timo Werner this weekend. Jurgen Klopp also has his four attackers to pick from as they look to breech Chelsea’s defence for the first time this season.

Many feel the Champions League holders can put up a serious challenge to Manchester City’s title defence this campaign and three more points this weekend would certainly make a statement with Pep Guardiola’s side having already dropped three themselves.

Defensively they are solid under their German coach but should come under threat from the likes of Sadio Mane, Mohamed Salah and Diogo Jota this weekend. Going forward I wouldn’t be surprised to see them have success against a back four that didn’t concede many at all in winning the league two seasons ago.

I am surprised the hosts are the bookmakers’ favourites in this one as I am expecting Chelsea to avoid defeat on Merseyside and can even see them coming back with a win.

Best bet: Lay Liverpool at 2.60 with Betfair
Value bet: Back Chelsea at 3.05 with Betfair