Premier league predictions: Liverpool and Chelsea to share spoils at Anfield

Virgil Van Dijk will have his first real test on his return to fitness, how will he fare against Romelu Lukaku and co? (Photo credit: Prem...

Virgil Van Dijk will have his first real test on his return to fitness, how will he fare against Romelu Lukaku and co? (Photo credit: Premierleague.com)

Liverpool vs Chelsea
Anfield Stadium
5:30pm

Two of the five teams that have recorded two wins in two go head to head at Anfield in the final game of the day on Saturday and it promises to be a cracker with Liverpool hosting Chelsea at Anfield.

While Chelsea have re-signed Romelu Lukaku from Inter Milan and he was an instant hit against Arsenal at the Emirates last weekend, Liverpool have retained their team from last season with the exception of Gini Wijnaldum who moved to PSG and Ibrahim Konate who joined from RB Leipzig.

Liverpool’s two wins have been quite convincing, scoring five without conceding any and only behind their opponent of the day on a matter of alphabets; for Chelsea it’s a perfect start as well and the win at Arsenal confirmed how ready they are for the top prize this season.

Both sides are in a good place, this makes this particular fixture a top one to pay attention to, the battle will be won and lost at the middle of the park and in that regard, the visitors have the advantage; N’golo Kante will be key at Anfield on Saturday.

Thomas Tuchel will decide if he wants to start Kai Havertz or Christian Pulisic, with Hakim Ziyech injured and Timo Werner most likely to start from the bench, it is down to the German tactician to decide who starts where.

Liverpool will still be without James Milner but Thiago Alcantara will lead the midfield alongside Fabinho and Henderson, they will be up against Kante, fresh from being named best midfielder in Europe, Matteo Kovacic and Mason Mount.

Thomas Tuchel will consider three at the back and will want to being back Thiago Silva for this one, Liverpool’s Virgil Van Dijk will have his first real test following his lengthy injury layoff last season and he will be up against Romelu Lukaku.

Chelsea will also have to contain the front three of Liverpool, Mo Salah, Sadio Mane and Diogo Jota are the preferred trio at the moment but don’t be surprised if Jurgen Klopp throws in Roberto Firminho from the very start.

Liverpool's stand in defender Tsimikas will be eased out with the return of Andy Robertson, quite unfair to the young man that has been amazing in two games but it is what it is.

This game has stalemate written all over it, but with the season looking pretty like a very tight one this term, no one wants to drop off so early, this cracker that will have Anthony Taylor as referee will serve everything there is to enjoy in a football game.

Liverpool edges the recent head to head but Chelsea won the last by a solitary goal, international break will follow this game and no one wants a bad result hovering around for two weeks, it’s a game to relish in front of the vociferous Liverpool fans at Anfield.