I can see Liverpool getting really frustrated in this game; they’ve lost each of their last two matches against Galatasaray and Crystal Palace, picking up 3+ cards in each of these fixtures. 

Liverpool received two yellow cards in this fixture last season and committed 11 fouls, which are tallies that are in line with their averages from the 24/25 season. I can see Chelsea taking inspiration from Galatasaray and Palace in this game and look to slow the game down as often as possible, knowing that if they go toe to toe with Liverpool, they will be obliterated, as they don’t have appropriate defensive cover due to injuries. 

Liverpool are averaging 9.50 fouls committed per game in the Premier League this season but this has produced 13 yellow cards for the Reds across the opening six games of the Premier League season (2.16 per game). Liverpool were shown four yellow cards in their 2-1 win over Chelsea at Anfield in the early stages of last season.

I still have real reservations about Robert Sanchez in the Chelsea net, but what is clear is that he is an excellent shot stopper. Sanchez’s main issues are his decision-making and distribution; these are obviously important traits for a Premier League goalkeeper at a side like Chelsea, but we’ll be focusing on his shot-stopping ability here.

Sanchez has been forced into making 12 saves across his six Premier League appearances this season (2.37 per 90). He had the joint-highest save percentage in the Premier League last season (73.6%) and was forced into making 2.97 saves per 90. It’s not an exaggeration to say that Chelsea wouldn’t have qualified for the Champions League if it weren’t for Sanchez’s performances in the latter stages of last season.

Liverpool may not be fully in tune in the final third yet, but I’d expect them to have chances here. Colwill, Chalobah, Tosin, and Fofana are all missing for the Blues here, which leaves an inexperienced duo of Hato and Badiashille as Chelsea’s main centre-back options. I don’t envisage this duo offering Sanchez much protection, which should see the keeper tested on at least three occasions. 

Liverpool are averaging 4.70 shots on target per 90 in the Premier League this season, but this tally will increase as the season progresses and Arne Slot finds the right balance for his attacking setup.

Kerkez has committed five fouls across his six Premier League appearances this season (0.98 per 90). I’m surprised he’s still around this price. I would have him around 1.3 for a foul in this game, given his record this season and how aggressive he’s been when I’ve watched Liverpool.

Kerkez has had a tough start to his Liverpool career, but a lot of the issues he’s facing are to do with the Reds’ overall setup rather than his individual errors. Kerkez is naturally an aggressive fullback and has no issues in pushing high up the pitch. 

However, Liverpool don’t have the balance in the fullback areas they once did - they’re desperately missing the creativity and patience of Trent Alexander-Arnold, who gave Liverpool defensive security with his intelligent positioning, not that he really got any credit for that when he was in the Premier League.

The end result is Liverpool ending up in multiple end-to-end games, with Kerkez forced into committing fouls to stop the opposition from having a free run at Van Dijk and Konate, with the latter really struggling at the moment. I think most of Chelsea’s positive play will come down his side, his direct opponents being Pedro Neto and Reece James, who have won 10 fouls between them in the Premier League this season.

Estevao also likes to drift over to that side, so Kerkez could have as many as three players to deal with at times, leaving him outnumbered and in the perfect environment in which to commit a foul.

Anthony Taylor is the referee for this game, and he has a long history with Chelsea. The referee has been a thorn in the side of the Blues with many questionable decisions in his time officiating Chelsea. 

Even the Chelsea players are aware of this, and, as captain, Reece James may find himself in the book for dissent as well as for any challenges he makes in the game. James’ role in this Chelsea side has changed since Maresca arrived; he doesn’t want the fullback bombing up and down the pitch relentlessly due to his injury issues, so James finds himself in the defensive third of the pitch more often.

James has collected two yellow cards this season, both coming in home games against Palace and Brighton. He’ll be tested by either Hugo Ekitike or Gakpo down that side of the pitch and will also have to contend with Kerkez, who also likes to get forward. This could result in multiple instances where James is outnumbered, as was the case for his cautions against Brighton and Palace. 

James will have an extra responsibility to guide Hato and Badiashille through this game, who will be lining up in a centre-back partnership for the first time this season. Chelsea’s strenuous relationship with Anthony Taylor could also play a part, with James likely to be one of the first to raise concerns with the referee as Chelsea captain. 

Mohamed Salah hasn’t been at his best so far this season, but that criticism can be extended to the entire Liverpool side with some lacklustre performances this term, especially in recent weeks.

Salah was dropped for Liverpool’s 1-0 loss to Galatasaray during the week, which was a bit of a perplexing decision by Slot. While Salah may not currently be at the level we saw from him last season, he’s still an incredibly effective player and can score or assist without even really being in the game. For this trait alone, Salah should always be in the Liverpool side if he is fit.

He’s scored three goals and registered three assists across his nine appearances in all competitions this season, extending the argument that he doesn’t need to be at his best to produce a reliable end product. Furthermore, Salah tends to shine in games against his former side - he scored from the penalty spot in Liverpool’s 2-1 win over Chelsea last season at Anfield. Many will also remember the screamer he scored against Chelsea at Anfield a few seasons ago. 

He will fancy his chances of getting on the scoresheet here, seeing as Chelsea are struggling for numbers and quality at the back currently, which should give Liverpool the encouragement to take the game to the Blues.

Szoboszlai has been Liverpool’s best player this season, which takes some doing with the level of talent that Liverpool have in the side. He likes to take aim from a distance, which could prove crucial here, as I think Chelsea will be forced to drop deep at times, given their defensive issues. 

There is a chance he plays as a right back here with Slot seeking more control in games, but I think it’s more likely that the Liverpool manager will reunite the trio that was so successful for him last season in Mac Allister, Gravenberch, and Szoboszlai, with Wirtz currently struggling. 

Szoboszlai has had 13 shots so far this season (2.17 per 90) with three of these attempts finding the target (0.50 per 90). Szoboszlai’s shot on target could come from a free kick; he’s already scored one against Arsenal this season and should be given opportunities here with how reckless Chelsea can be with their challenges, as the three red cards they’ve received in their last four matches would suggest.