EPL: Slot plots Chelsea’s downfall as Maresca hopes to end losing streak against Liverpool
The stage is set for the biggest English Premier League, EPL, match of this weekend as Chelsea hosts Liverpool at Stamford Bridge.
The match will take place on Saturday evening and the kick-off time is 5.30 pm, Nigerian time.
Both teams head to the game after losing their last Premier League games against Brighton and Crystal Palace, respectively.
Chelsea, who were beaten 2-1 against Manchester United two weeks ago, also lost 3-1 against Brighton last weekend.
Liverpool, meanwhile, lost 2-1 against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park last weekend.
The last time both teams met in the Premier League was in May this year.
The Blues defeated the Reds 3-1 at Stamford Bridge, thanks to goals from Enzo Fernandez and Cole Palmer.
However, Chelsea will endeavour to close the 7-point gap to Premier League leaders Liverpool when both sides clash today.
The Blues currently sit in the 8th position on the Premier League table with seven points behind Liverpool.
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca is set to be without eight players against Liverpool.
Among their absentees are Cole Palmer, who is injured, and Trevoh Chalobah, who is suspended.
The likes of Tosin Adarabioyo, Andrey Santos, Levi Colwill, Liam Delap, Dario Essugo and Wesley Fofana have been sidelined for Chelsea.
Liverpool, on the other hand, will hope to avoid another defeat when they face the Premier League west London club, having lost against Crystal Palace last weekend.
They currently sit on top of the Premier League table with 15 points from six matches.
Liverpool manager Arne Slot will be with defender Giovanni Leoni, who is a long-term absentee following the anterior cruciate ligament injury he suffered against Southampton.
Slot will also be without first-choice goalkeeper Alisson Becker against Chelsea due to injury after the Brazilian was forced off against Galatasaray in the UEFA Champions League on Tuesday night.
The Dutchman will also do a late fitness assessment on Federico Chiesa and Hugo Ekitike to check their readiness for the encounter.
Chiesa did not feature against Galatasaray as a result of a minor fitness complaint, while Ekitike started that match but had to go off in the 68th minute.
A win for Liverpool against Chelsea will see Slot’s side maintain their lead on the Premier League table.
Also, a win for Chelsea will see Maresca’s side gain three points.
