Chelsea vs Liverpool Preview: Who will win the battle at the Bridge?

The Premier League’s gameweek 6 sees Liverpool travel to south London to go toe to toe with rivals Chelsea, which promises to be a mouthwatering battle. Liverpool sit at the top of the Premier League standings while the Blues are currently placed 6th.

Both Liverpool and Chelsea suffered a defeat at the hands of Napoli and Valencia in the first round of the UEFA Champions League, with late goals getting the better of both teams.

However, the attention has quickly turned to Sunday’s clash which is undisputedly a main event of the weekend.

Frank Lampard’s Chelsea had a mixed start to the season as they have won two, drawn two and lost one from the opening five fixtures. While on the other hand, the Reds are enjoying a brilliant start as they are the only side in the division with the 100% record which sees them sit at the top of the pile with 5 points lead on Champions Manchester City.

Here is all you need to know about Sunday’s clash between Liverpool & Chelsea.

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Team News:

N’golo Kante is back for Chelsea and is in contention to face Liverpool which certainly is a mega boost for Lampard.

Liverpool’s Naby Keita and Alisson are still not available to feature. While Divock Origi doesn’t look will have a part in game vs Chelsea due to an injury against Newcastle United last week.

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Kick-Off time: Sunday, 22nd September (16:30 BST)

Venue: Stamford Bridge, London

Referee: Michael Oliver

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Predicted Lineups:

Chelsea:  Kepa; Azpilicueta, Zouma, Christensen, Tomori, Alonso; Jorgiinho, Kovacic; Willian, Mount; Abraham.

Liverpool: Adrian; Alexander-Arnold, Matip, van Dijk, Robertson; Fabinho, Wijnaldum, Henderson; Salah, Mane, Firmino

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Prediction:

Chelsea 1-2 Liverpool

It would be an intense battle and both the teams will try to nullify each other but I think Liverpool will have enough in their tank to get a win at Stamford Bridge.

Liverpool 3-1 Newcastle United: Subtle Reds create Premier League history

Liverpool cruised to a comprehensive 3-1 victory over Newcastle United to retain the top spot in the Premier League standings.

Anfield witnessed yet another sublime display as Liverpool outplayed the Magpies on quality and matched a Premier League record. Their triumph against Steve Bruce’s side means it’s Reds’ 14th consecutive win in Premier League, just 4 short of Pep Guardiola’s consecutive win record. Liverpool are the first team in top-flight history to win 14 straight matches, by scoring more than once in each win.

14 – Liverpool are the first team in top-flight history to win 14 consecutive matches while scoring more than once in each win. Entertainment. pic.twitter.com/dlZLvjjS4Q

— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) September 14, 2019

However, Liverpool did have an unusually slow start and the visitors made the most out of it as Jetro Willems scored with a sublime right-footed strike. Nevertheless, the hosts responded in stunning fashion, as in-form Sadio Mane dispatched a crucial equalizer on the 27th-minute mark. Minutes before the second half, Jurgen Klopp was forced to make a substitution which saw Roberto Firmino coming off the bench to replace injured Divock Origi.

The Brazillian had a lightning-quick impact on the game, and submitted a delicious pass for The Reds’ second goal. The European champions were ahead in a flash.

After the second one, they looked relatively more comfortable, predominately Roberto Firmino was under a constant spotlight, displaying a unique extravaganza of subtle twist and turns and exquisite passes. Salah’s first and Liverpool’s third came due to Brazillian’s wonderful backheel. It was just wonderful to watch.

Moreover, Reds’ midfield also did a good job, and Oxlade-Chamberlain’s return was one of the positive signs.

Liverpool sit at the top of the pile with a five point lead on Manchester City. They are looking very sharp and looking hungry from the very start to land their first Premier League title

Player Ratings:

Liverpool:

Adrian – 6, Van Dijk – 8, Matip – 7, Alexander Arnold -7, Robertson – 7, Fabinho 8, Oxlade Chamberlain 8, Wijnaldum -7, Mane -8, Salah – 7, Origi -6

Subs:

Firmino- 9, Milner – 6, Shaqiri -6

Newcastle United:

Martin Dubravka- 5, Krafth -6, Schar -6, Lascelles -6, Dumeett -6, Willems -7, Almiron-6, Hayden-6, Shelvey -6, Atsu-5, Joelinton -6.

Subs:

Muto- 6, Fernandez-6, Manquillo-6.

 

 

Watford sack Javi Gracia as Quique Sánchez Flores returns

Watford FC have parted ways with Javi Gracia after a poor start to the Premier League campaign. 

Four games into the season and Watford find themselves in the miserable scenario as they are currently bottom of the table.

They have a solitary point from four matches and are having the worst possible start to the campaign. In view of this, the board has decided to sack Javi Gracia from his role as manager.

Does it look too harsh?

In his dramatic 20 months at the helm, the 49-year-old Spanish tactician led the Hornets to an FA Cup final and cruised to an 11th position finish in the Premier League.

During his tenure, he has handled several high profile players including Troy Deeney, Gerard Deulofeu, Abdoulaye Doucouré, etc.

Perhaps, his sacking after an abysmal start does seem to be a bit harsh. It could have been a result of the constant desire of results from the board and a bit of impatience, considering the manager and strategies he wanted to implement while he was at the club.

Football pundit Chris Sutton while delivering his thoughts on the Gracia-Watford case, insisted,

“Watford sacking of Javi Gracia is a disgrace,” tweeted Sutton. “This can’t be justified. Quique Sanchez Flores back in but he was sacked by Watford not so long back? Football is bonkers.”

After the 1-1 draw versus Newcastle, Gracia, in the press conference, which ultimately turned out be his last one, gave references to a similar situation he faced at Malaga in La Liga a few years ago.

“I think we went to six games at Málaga without scoring. But we improved and finished in eighth. If you are winning, you only need time to see when you are going to lose – and when you are losing, you only need time to see when you win. We want to win as soon as possible, and we need to. I did it in the past, and now I want to do the same again.”

However, now it’s time for the club and their fans to look ahead.

Just minutes after his departure, Watford resigned Sanchez Flores as their new manager.

In the end, Javi Gracia’s successor has a big task on hand. Watford are 20th and the board and fans would want him to fix it as soon as possible.

Opinion: Premier League title race done and dusted for everyone else, except Liverpool and Manchester City

We have headed into the first international break and the top two clubs are unsurprisingly, Liverpool and Manchester City. Who would have expected a different story than this?

Similar to the last season, the early extravaganza of the Premier League intends nothing but a two-horse title race between the Red Half of Merseyside and the Blue Half of Manchester.  These very two clubs are unarguably miles ahead of the other ones, they have their stunning peculiarity of to demonstrate unstoppable domination.

Jose Mourinho, while delivering his take on the proposed title race between Liverpool and City, insisted,

‘I was having the joke of Man City B, Spurs, Liverpool and Man City [challenging for the title]. ‘Just three or four weeks later, we understand clearly Liverpool and Man City are going to finish first and second, or second and first.’

Liverpool is the only side in the division with 100% record, who tops the table with 12 points. While Man City are second with 10 points in the bag.

The recent tussle of these two powerhouses has intensified the managerial rivalry between two of the best football coaches in the world, whose teams are on course to put forth a mesmerizing title race.

With a high investment done in the transfer market, Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur, and Manchester United were tipped to enter in the title race but, with taking into consideration their early-season struggle and the gaps in their teams which have been brutally exposed, they will battle for the 3rd and 4th place.

There will surely be some stern test for them while going ahead in the season as there is always jeopardy and uncertainty in the Premier League. However, Liverpool’s competition will always be Manchester City.

Between them, they haven’t lost a league game since the end of January. It’s evident that they are both pushing each other upwards. They are relentless.

Reds’ front three are looking razor-sharp again this season. While Raheem Sterling and co have been ruthless in front of goal. Virgil Van Dijk continues to put forth a defending masterclass while Kevin De Bruyne is back and raining the assists.

In the end, last but not least. Who will actually win this extraordinary title race? Will the Blue Moon rise again or will the colour be Red?

Liverpool 3-1 Arsenal: Gunners’ new faces fail to impact as Reds run rampant

Dominant Liverpool put forth a stunning display at jumping Anfield as they strolled past Arsenal 3-1 to stretch their winning streak in the Premier League to 12.

The matchday 3 of the Premier League saw Liverpool going toe to toe with Arsenal at Anfield, which promised to be a mouthwatering clash between two attacking units. Anfield has turned out to be a nightmare for Arsenal in the recent past as they witnessed a sheer humiliation in their recent trips to the Red Half of Merseyside. With an eye-catching business in the transfer window, Arsenal were seeking a positive result after recent catastrophes against The Reds.

However, it didn’t turn out be an outing their twelfth man had hoped for.

Liverpool, with their sheer class, quality and attacking proficiency were capable of achieving a grip on the game from very early stages. Full-backs Alexander-Arnold and Robertson were under constant spotlight, turning the game into a crossing session in the first half.

Liverpool’s error did hand gunners with some really good chances of scoring but they couldn’t capitalise on them. At last in the dying moments of the first 45, a breakthrough came. It was Reds’ defender Joel Matip who put Reds in front and their all hard work of the first half was paid off. It was more of psychological relief.

Neither of the two made the changes in the half time. The start of the second period was electric for Reds and David Luiz’s blunder of pulling Mohamed Salah’s shirt offered Liverpool to double their lead from the spot. The Egyptian, with a sublime penalty, fired Liverpool to a two goal lead and it started feeling like Arsenal’s past trips to Anfield are going to be repeated.

The tie had swiftly turned into the favor of hosts. The European Champions were in complete control and looked to cause Arsenal more of problems. On the 58th minute mark, Salah yet again fired Liverpool to a three-goal lead. But this time, the goal was sumptuous. With a sublime turn, he nullified David Luiz and then struck a well taken shot to the left bottom corner. Liverpool 3- 0 Arsenal.

Lucas Torreira scored a late consolation goal for arsenal which injected small unrest in the stands of Anfield. However, it ended as Liverpool 3-1 Arsenal.

Liverpool have started yet another season on a big high while Arsenal’s 100% start in the Premier League season has been broken. However, despite the result, there are some positives for Arsenal. Nicolas Pepe showed glimpses of what he can do while Torreira’s impact after coming from the bench is also a positive.

Player Ratings:

Liverpool:

Adrian (7), Van Dijk (8), Matip (9), Robertson (7), Alexander Arnold (7), Wijnaldum (6), Henderson (7), Fabinho (8), Mane (7), salah (9), Firmino(8).

Subs: Milner (6), Oxlade chamberlain (6), Lallana (N/A).

Arsenal:

Leno (6), Luiz (4), Sokratis (6), Monreal (5), Maitland Niles (6), Xhaka (6), Guendouzi (6), Willock (6), Ceballos (6), Aubameyang (5), Pepe (6).

Subs

Torreira (7), Lacazette (N/A).

 What Next?

Liverpool face Burnley in matchday 4 at Turf Moor, while another tough clash awaits for Arsenal as they face arch-rivals Tottenham next week.