Chelsea’s meeting with Liverpool is shaping up to be one of the more intriguing fixtures of the weekend. After all, Liverpool arrive as reigning champions, but with signs of vulnerability creeping into their performances. Meanwhile, Chelsea are punching above expectations under Enzo Maresca, trying to consolidate a spot in the Champions League frame.

Recent Form & Narrative

Liverpool, having dropped points recently, are still dangerous. Maresca himself acknowledged that despite recent stumbles, the Reds remain a threat. Chelsea, on their side, are navigating an injury crisis and suspension issues, particularly in defense. The tension is real: can Chelsea wring a positive result from a side that has dominated English football?

In their last meeting in May 2025, Chelsea secured a 3-1 victory at Stamford Bridge. That win was powered by an early Enzo Fernández strike, a Cole Palmer penalty, and Liverpool’s defensive lapse. Such a result gives the Blues confidence heading into this rematch.

Tactical Battle & Key Players

From the Chelsea side, Enzo Fernández is a name that stands out. Given his influence and consistency in midfield, he’s likely to be central to anything positive Chelsea do going forward. Moises Caicedo is another regular who should anchor the midfield alongside him, offering physicality and presence. On the wings, Pedro Neto has featured regularly and can stretch the Liverpool backline.

Defensively, even though Chelsea face injury issues, Trevoh Chalobah remains one of the more stable names in their defense (though suspended in some reports). Similarly, Marc Cucurella often features in the full-back rotation and may be counted upon.

For Liverpool, even in rotation-heavy periods, Mohamed Salah is almost always in the starting XI, and his influence in attack is a given. Virgil van Dijk also is a constant presence, offering leadership and aerial dominance.

Given the injuries and absences, Chelsea will have to be fluid and resilient. A compact midfield, quick transitions, and exploiting set-pieces may be their best route to prying open Liverpool. Liverpool, in turn, will look to their attacking core to break through.

What to Watch & Prediction

• - Whether Chelsea can maintain defensive solidity under pressure, despite absences.
• - If Fernandes & Caicedo can control the midfield battle and deny Liverpool time and space.
• - How Salah responds – Liverpool will need him to produce moments of magic.
• - The role of substitutes: both squads will have to rely on depth.

On balance, I expect a tight, tense game. Chelsea at home might edge it, but Liverpool could respond. A 1–1 draw or a narrow Chelsea win seems plausible.