Diago Chota – Chelsea
Liverpool’s return to Premier League action is eagerly awaited, with Chelsea set to visit Anfield for what promises to be a thrilling encounter. Scheduled for a 4:30 pm BST kick-off on Sunday, the match comes after an international break that allowed both teams to regroup and refocus. As always, the clash between these two Premier League heavyweights is bound to be a high-intensity affair, and as the match draws nearer, the anticipation continues to build. To give an insight into what can be expected, here are 12 early Opta statistics that shine a light on some key aspects of the contest.
Liverpool vs. Chelsea: The Bigger Picture
This fixture is one of the most iconic in the Premier League calendar, with both clubs boasting rich histories, fanatical support, and a desire to outdo one another. Liverpool, currently enjoying a strong start to their league campaign, will look to continue their good form at Anfield. Meanwhile, Chelsea, under the guidance of Arne Slot, will aim to mount a serious challenge and keep pace at the top of the table. The Blues come into the match with renewed confidence and a solid squad brimming with talent.
Both teams have shown their attacking prowess this season, with Chelsea ranking high in terms of goals scored and chance creation. However, the defensive records of these sides could play a crucial role in determining the outcome of Sunday’s match.
1. Liverpool’s Unbeaten Run Against Chelsea
Liverpool have been a thorn in Chelsea’s side in recent times, going unbeaten in their last six Premier League meetings. Although five of those matches ended in a draw, the Reds have shown that they are difficult to beat when facing the Blues. Despite Chelsea’s impressive start to the 2024-25 campaign, the Reds will hope to extend this unbeaten run and claim all three points at Anfield.
2. Dominance in Head-to-Head: Reds’ Advantage
Over the last 19 Premier League games against Chelsea, Liverpool have lost just twice, with seven victories and 10 draws in that span. This statistic reinforces how competitive these clashes tend to be, with both teams often sharing the spoils. While Chelsea has managed to secure a few key victories at Anfield in the past, Liverpool’s consistency in recent head-to-head fixtures suggests that they hold a psychological edge heading into the weekend.
3. The Defensive Prowess of Arne Slot’s Chelsea
Arne Slot’s Chelsea team has been defensively solid this season. So far, they’ve conceded the fewest goals in the Premier League, just two, and have managed to keep five clean sheets — the most in the division. With an expected goals-against figure of just 5.2, Slot’s side has built their early-season success on a foundation of defensive rigidity. This will be a key area of focus for Liverpool, who will need to find a way to break through Chelsea’s well-drilled backline.
Arne Slot
4. Impressive Away Form for Both Sides
One intriguing stat ahead of Sunday’s encounter is that both Liverpool and Chelsea have maintained a 100% away win record so far this season. Both teams have played three away matches and emerged victorious on each occasion. While this may not come into play directly at Anfield, it’s an indication of the form and confidence both teams bring into the fixture. Given that Chelsea have shown they can travel well, Liverpool will need to be at their very best to secure a home win.
5. Clean Sheet Record for the Reds
Liverpool’s defensive form has also been a standout feature of their early season, with six clean sheets in their last eight Premier League outings. This recent run of shutouts matches the total number of clean sheets they managed in their previous 27 games in the league. Alisson Becker’s presence between the posts, combined with an increasingly settled backline, gives Liverpool a solid defensive foundation that could be key against Chelsea’s attacking talent.
6. Salah’s Brilliant Form Continues
Mohamed Salah is a man in form and will undoubtedly be one of Liverpool’s key players in the upcoming match. The Egyptian talisman has been involved in 11 goals across his 10 appearances for the club in all competitions this season, scoring six goals and providing five assists. His creativity and finishing ability make him a constant threat, and no player in the Premier League has been involved in more goals this term — with Cole Palmer and Erling Haaland matching his tally of 11. Salah’s ability to find the back of the net or provide a killer pass could be decisive in a game where chances are expected to be at a premium.
7. Jota’s Anfield Scoring Record
Diogo Jota is another Liverpool forward who could make an impact. The Portuguese attacker has a knack for delivering at Anfield, having scored 13 goals in his last 16 starts at the stadium in all competitions. Jota’s movement and ability to exploit defensive spaces will be crucial, especially given Chelsea’s strong defensive organization. His sharpness in front of goal could give Liverpool the cutting edge they need to break down Chelsea’s backline.
8. Early Season Dominance: Potential for a Historic Start
A win for Liverpool on Sunday would see them win as many as seven of their first eight Premier League fixtures in a single season for only the fifth time in the club’s history. The last time they managed such a strong start was in the 2019-20 season — a campaign that ended with the Reds lifting the Premier League trophy. The significance of this statistic highlights Liverpool’s current momentum and the importance of maintaining their early-season form.
9. Top Creators: Liverpool and Chelsea Lead the Way
When it comes to creating big chances, Liverpool and Chelsea sit first and second in the Premier League standings. The Reds have created 28 big chances this season, while Chelsea is just behind with 27. This stat points to the attacking intent of both teams and suggests that Sunday’s game could be a high-scoring affair if either side can capitalize on these opportunities.
10. Chelsea’s Impressive Record: Only Two Losses in 22 Games
Chelsea’s overall form over a longer stretch of games has been exceptional, losing only two of their last 22 Premier League matches, with 13 wins and seven draws. Despite their inconsistency in recent seasons, Chelsea’s ability to grind out results should not be underestimated. This strong run of form shows they have the resilience and quality to pose a serious challenge to any opponent.
11. Chelsea’s Goal-Scoring Prowess
Only Manchester City (17) have scored more goals than Chelsea (16) in the Premier League this season. This statistic highlights the attacking capabilities of the Blues, with players like Cole Palmer, Noni Madueke, and Raheem Sterling contributing to their goal tally. Chelsea’s offensive strength, combined with their ability to convert chances efficiently, will make them a tough side to break down.
12. Palmer and Madueke’s Creative Partnership
The partnership between Cole Palmer and Noni Madueke has been one of the most fruitful in the Premier League this season. Together, they’ve created 15 chances for each other, the most of any duo in the league, with Palmer assisting Madueke on four occasions. Liverpool’s defense will need to keep a close eye on this pair, as their link-up play has been a key element of Chelsea’s attacking strategy this season.
A Crucial Fixture in the Premier League Race
As Liverpool prepare to face Chelsea at Anfield, both teams will be eager to continue their strong starts to the season. With a host of Opta stats highlighting the attacking and defensive strengths of both sides, the match is poised to be a fascinating contest. Liverpool’s impressive unbeaten run against Chelsea, coupled with their strong defensive form, makes them slight favorites. However, Chelsea’s ability to create and convert chances, as well as their resilience in the league, suggests that they will be no pushovers.
Ultimately, Sunday’s match could come down to key individual performances from players like Mohamed Salah, Diogo Jota, and Cole Palmer. Both sides have the firepower to hurt each other, and fans can expect a tense and thrilling encounter between two of the Premier League’s top teams.
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YNWA (You’ll Never Walk Alone)!
The Liverpool FC Times Team
LiverpoolFCTimes.com