Liverpool v Chelsea: The numberspublished at 19:06 19 October
19:06 19 October
Media caption,
The Football News Show looks at the key stats behind Liverpool and Chelsea's strong starts
Is Liverpool's impressive defensive record to the detriment to their attack?
How does Cole Palmer's Chelsea start stack up against the Premier League's best?
And how do Arne Slot and Enzo Maresca compare to their predecessors?
The Football News Show's Ben Croucher dives into the key stats behind Liverpool and Chelsea's impressive starts to the season, with the two sides meeting at Anfield on Sunday.
Nevin picks Liverpool as title challengers - but not Chelseapublished at 19:06 19 October
19:06 19 October
Media caption,
Liverpool and Chelsea have both made impressive starts to the Premier League season, but before their meeting at Anfield, The Football News Show asks if they are both in the running for the title.
Former Blues winger Pat Nevin outlines why he feels Arne Slot's Liverpool are - and why this season is too soon to expect silverware for Enzo Maresca and his team.
Which Premier League players have been surprise packages?published at 11:07 19 October
11:07 19 October
Image source, Getty Images
The Premier League returns this weekend, with each club having played seven matches.
BBC Sport has looked at eight players that have performed better than fans may have expected this season.
What a couple of months it has been for Chelsea winger Noni Madueke.
He was an unused sub for the opening game of the season against Manchester City, but then scored in the 2-0 Europa Conference League win against Servette and been in fine form ever since.
A hat-trick against Wolves, his first in the Premier League, followed before he made his England debut and then scored a special equaliser for Chelsea in a 1-1 draw against Nottingham Forest.
Did you know? Madueke has four goals in six Premier League appearances this season, just one fewer than he netted in the whole of last term in the competition (five in 23 appearances).
Who has the easiest and hardest next four games?published at 17:25 18 October
17:25 18 October
Image source, Opta
With the October international break now firmly in the rearview mirror, Opta Analyst, external have turned their attention to the next four Premier League fixtures.
Here, they have given each team a ranking between 80 and 100 and then found the average to determine to difficulty of the schedule.
Liverpool's opening seven matches were ranked the easiest in the league, but their upcoming four are the fourth-toughest in the division. They will face Chelsea, Arsenal, Aston Villa and Brighton, with an average opponent strength of 91.4 before the next international break.
Fellow early pacesetters Arsenal also have challenging fixtures, playing Bournemouth, Liverpool, Newcastle and Chelsea with an average rating of 90.7, while Manchester City's next four against Wolves, Southampton, Bournemouth and Brighton are ranked the third-easiest by Opta.
Chelsea and Brighton have the second-hardest and third-hardest runs respectively, a real test given the promising starts for their new managers Enzo Maresca and Fabian Hurzeler.
At the other end of the table, Leicester - who recently secured their first win of the season against Bournemouth - have a chance to build with the easiest run in the division. They face Southampton, Nottingham Forest, Ipswich and Manchester United.
Fellow promoted side Ipswich will hope to pick up their first win of the season during a run of games that is ranked the fifth-easiest.
Why have Chelsea started so well?published at 15:40 18 October
15:40 18 October
Media caption,
Former Chelsea winger Pat Nevin outlines to The Football News Show where Enzo Maresca's side have made steps forward this season, specifically praising Nicolas Jackson, Moises Caicedo and a young squad that is maturing.
Maresca on James return, Gusto 'maturity' and Liverpoolpublished at 13:54 18 October
13:54 18 October
Ben Ramsdale BBC Sport journalist
Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca has been speaking to the media before Sunday's Premier League game against Liverpool (kick-off 16:30 BST).
Here are the key lines from his news conference:
Chelsea have a fully fit squad to choose from, with only Wesley Fofana and Marc Cucurella missing through suspension.
Maresca confirmed Reece James is available: "He is back. He worked with us all the international break. Finally he is back."
More on the return of James: "Reece's body cannot play twice a week so one of the solutions is that we are going to try to manage him the same way we are doing with Romeo [Lavia]. The solution is to go slowly, slowly. In the future we may be able to use him in the week, but in this moment we need to use him once a week."
He said Malo Gusto has been "fantastic" and for the age he is, the "maturity he is showing is top".
On Ben Chilwell possibly getting a chance this weekend: "Chilly is one of our players. Unfortunately he has been ill for the past few days so has not had a session. We will see how he is today and tomorrow."
Marseca confirmed reports that one of his analysts has "been approached" by new England boss Thomas Tuchel and believes there is interest in another member of his staff but with no approach made yet.
On Liverpool and playing at Anfield: "It's a special game for all the clubs. Liverpool is a nice environment. We are excited to play in this kind of game but, at the same time, all the games we have played until now have not been easy. We are going to try to do our best and prepare in the best way we can to try to get the points."
Is James' return key to improving the defence? published at 08:24 18 October
08:24 18 October
Image source, Getty Images
We asked you to tell us one thing - good or bad - that no-one is talking about at Chelsea.
Here are some of your comments:
James: Nobody is talking about Reece James as he returns to training. A lot has been made of his ability to hack it in the Premier League with his injury but the reality is that Chelsea need their captain. They are desperately missing leadership on the field to settle games and avoid chaotic high-scoring encounters every week.
Stevie: The fact James can't stay fit and even when he is, he is going to have to earn his place in the side as Malo Gusto has emerged as a fantastic right-back. It may be time to cash in on a player who is unable to play even half a season and also has problems with reckless challenges.
Chris: We are OK going forward, but Enzo Maresca needs to sort the defence out - and quickly. A clean sheet would be nice, but every time Robert Sanchez or any of the back four get the ball, everyone's hearts go to their mouths!
John: The one thing people aren't talking about is how bad the defence is. Chelsea beating teams that they should be beating should not be as lauded as it has been. It just shows how rubbish we were last year that "hooray, we beat Wolves" is accepted. Benoit Badashile and Axel Disasi are just awful and will be exposed against bigger teams.
Richard: We have some tough games coming up with little respite until mid-November. We've won simply by outscoring in some matches, so there's plenty to improve on and we'll need to be on the top of our game to come through against Liverpool, Arsenal and Tottenham with enforced changes. I'll be impressed if we can!
Mathew: I would say the thing that isn't being spoken about enough is how good it was to get rid of Mauricio Pochettino in May. I know it's early in the season but Maresca has started well for us despite half of the fanbase getting on his back after the pre-season we had and the first game of the season. I’m now just hoping that the good run continues.
Gossip: Casadei encouraged to reconsider Chelsea futurepublished at 07:03 18 October
07:03 18 October
Chelsea midfielder Cesare Casadei has been advised by Italy Under-21 boss Carmine Nunziata to consider his Blues future in January if he is not getting game time. (Rai Radio 1 via Metro), external
New England boss Thomas Tuchel could make approaches for staff currently at his former club Chelsea, with the German keen to assemble a new backroom team he trusts. (Mail), external
The Opta supercomputer October update on race for Europepublished at 18:33 17 October
18:33 17 October
Image source, Opta
After the October international break, the Opta supercomputer has updated its projected final Premier League table.
It is only seven matches into the campaign so much can still change, but the season is beginning to take shape. The supercomputer simulates thousands of seasons and takes the percentage each side finishes in each league position.
After a strong start under Enzo Maresca, Chelsea's chances of finishing fourth have increased from 19.5% to 37.1%.
Newcastle are second favourites for fourth spot at 15.1% - down slightly from 17.5% at the start of the campaign - followed by Tottenham at 14% which is up slightly from 11.6% before a ball was kicked.
Aston Villa's continued good form has seen their probability of finishing fourth go from 5.6% to 13.2%, with their most likely finish now fifth at 18.1%. Before the start of the season it was seventh or eighth, both at 11.1%.
Manchester United's poor start is reflected in their chance of finishing fourth dropping from 12.9% to just 2.1%.
The Opta supercomputer October update on the title racepublished at 18:33 17 October
18:33 17 October
Image source, Opta
After the October international break, the Opta supercomputer, external has updated its projected final Premier League table.
It is only seven matches into the campaign so much can still change but the season is beginning to take shape. The supercomputer simulates thousands of seasons and takes the percentage each side finishes in each league position.
As at the start of the campaign, Manchester City remain favourites for the title, but the supercomputer is not as convinced, suggesting the chance of them winning a fifth in a row has fallen from 82.2% to 69.4% of simulations.
Arsenal are still the second favourites and after a strong start have seen their chances improve from 12.2% to 19.6%.
Current leaders Liverpool are currently projected to win their second Premier League title in 10.8% of simulations, which is more than double their pre-season projection of 5.1%.
According to Opta, Chelsea are the only other side to have any chance, but Enzo Maresca's side won the title in only 140 of the 10,000 simulations!
The Blues are fancied to finish in the top four though, making the Champions League places 37.9% of the time.
Who is Chelsea's fastest player?published at 16:50 17 October
'Variance is far bigger for younger players'published at 16:01 17 October
16:01 17 October
Before Chelsea's trip to Liverpool on Sunday, former Premier League defender Nedum Onuoha has been speaking about the Blues and the possibility their young team may "collapse" in certain games.
Speaking on BBC Sounds' Planet Premier League podcast, Onuoha said: "They use this talk in a lot of American sports, they spend a lot of time talking about the ceiling and the floor.
"I think for younger players that variance is far bigger than those that are more established.
"Going into this game against Liverpool at Anfield, you could talk me into believing they're going to win, but you could talk me into believing they're going to lose 6-0.
"Some of that is due to some of the traits young players tend to have. Their ceiling can be so high but at times things can just cave in and they can just collapse - we saw this last season."
Former Aston Villa and West Ham midfielder Thomas Hitzlsperger believes there have been signs of progress from Chelsea this season, but still thinks they are some way from winning the title.
"They're fun to watch - and still there are so many options in the squad, a lot of talent," he said.
"I think that was the long-term goal of the Chelsea owners; to bring in a lot of talent and eventually [challenge]. They need time to get going but then with this talent and a good manager is needed to get it all together.
"This season we have seen glimpses of it, a lot of people are surprised to see them doing this well already but I think it's going to take even longer to become real title contenders."
Liverpool v Chelsea: Fan questionspublished at 12:30 17 October
12:30 17 October
Image source, Getty Images
It may still be early days, but Liverpool and Chelsea are preparing to face each other in a crunch Premier League game at Anfield on Sunday.
While they go head to head on the pitch, we have asked our fan writers for each club to go head to head off it.
Each fan got to ask three questions to each other before the big game...
Where Chelsea could exploit Liverpool 'weakness'published at 12:29 17 October
12:29 17 October
Josh Sexton Fan writer
Here is what our Reds fan Josh Sexton had to say in response to questions from our Blues fan Will Faulks.
What do you make of Enzo Maresca's beginnings at Chelsea compared to Arne Slot's at Liverpool?
Both Maresca and Slot have had relatively promising starts at their new clubs, especially when you consider the size of the job that both were inheriting - in very different ways.
It is little secret that Maresca was inheriting more of a mess in terms of his new squad, but both seem to have already implemented their ideas and have their teams playing some great football at times.
What are Liverpool's weaknesses which Chelsea can try to take advantage of this weekend - and what are their main strengths?
Liverpool's biggest weakness so far this season is concentration over 90 minutes.
There will always be a point within games where either tired minds or legs kick in and the Reds conspire to shoot themselves in the foot, which is where Chelsea may be able to capitalise.
In terms of strengths, Slot's side are mostly great in possession, do not allow teams to create too many big chances and are absolute menaces in the offensive transition - particularly through Ryan Gravenberch, who has been a revelation this campaign.
Apart from Cole Palmer, if you could take one player from this Chelsea team, who would it be?
I am not even sure I could have confidently said Palmer, because Mohamed Salah plays the same position!
The obvious answer is Moises Caicedo, since Liverpool were Chelsea's closest rival for his signature.
Although I do not think he has necessarily justified the price tag yet (in fairness to him, perhaps that is an impossible task), I would still argue it is generally the area of the squad where the Reds require more natural options as the season progresses.
Chelsea have 'only had one test so far'published at 12:29 17 October
12:29 17 October
Will Faulks Fan writer
Here is what our Chelsea fan Will Faulks had to say on questions put to him by our Liverpool supporter Josh Sexton.
What have you made of the transition from Jurgen Klopp to Arne Slot?
It has been amazingly smooth. The quiet transfer window seemed to help, as did the chaos at other top teams, which took attention away from the club.
Slot is already building up credit to see him through any wobbles later in the season, and I am curious to see how the football develops with time.
Which Liverpool player impresses you the most?
There are so many impressive players, from Alisson to Mohamed Salah and Virgil Van Dijk. However this season, I am really interested in Dominik Szoboszlai and Ryan Gravenberch.
This is the year where they can go up a gear and prove they are good enough to take up the mantle from the Klopp team as that fades into history.
Are you worried about the possible impact the Anfield atmosphere can have?
It is always an important factor, and this Sunday it could play an even bigger role than usual.
For all the promise of their good start, Chelsea have only had one really tough game this season and it was at home against Manchester City.
Anfield is going to be a huge test for a team that is still young and growing together. They can prove a lot to people just by standing up to it.
Decision-making 'has been Mudryk's problem'published at 08:56 17 October
08:56 17 October
Image source, Getty Images
We asked you to send in your questions for Fara Williams and the former England midfielder and BBC Sport pundit has been answering a selection.
Sean asked: What do you think of Enzo Maresca's impact on Mykhailo Mudryk so far? I feel like he is taking steps in the right direction with his decision-making under the Italian, but there is still a way to go. I believe there is a player in there, do you?
Maresca has had a positive effect on the whole squad.
He has got a big group of young players who have had a lot of uncertainty since they signed. Maresca got a lot of stick at the beginning of the season for being direct but that might actually have helped these players, in terms of communication and knowing where they stand.
Maresca has been patient with Mudryk too. There is a definitely a talented player there, you can see that with his strengths of speed, getting in advanced positions and carrying the ball.
However, for young players, knowing what your strengths are and using them is difficult. Sometimes you want to do other things that might not suit you and you want to do too much.
Decision-making, which is the most important part of the game, is then not clear and that has been Mudryk's problem. You can, however, slowly see it coming and that is the same with the whole of Chelsea team.
We are seeing an identity with Chelsea now that we have not seen in a while and the young players are buying into that.
It will be difficult for Mudryk to force his way into this team as I do not think he is really giving competition to those players in front of him right now. However, with patience under Maresca he can definitely improve from the erratic player we first saw and push his way into the starting line-up in the future.
Fara was speaking to BBC Sport's Nicola Pearson
Gossip: Acheampong wanted by European giantspublished at 07:37 17 October
07:37 17 October
Real Madrid are considering a January move for 18-year-old England youth international Josh Acheampong, with Liverpool, Newcastle and Tottenham also interested in the Chelsea right-back. (Independent, external)
Palmer 'lights up my eyes' - Zolapublished at 18:10 16 October
18:10 16 October
Nizaar Kinsella BBC Sport football news reporter
Image source, Getty Images
Chelsea legend Gianfranco Zola says Cole Palmer "lights up his eyes" and has urged him to target being one of the best players in the world.
The 22-year-old has 28 goals and 16 assists since the start of last season, more than any other player in the Premier League, and is widely regarded as Chelsea's star player.
When asked about the England international's form, Zola said at Leaders Week London: "I’m very impressed with Palmer because he’s doing amazing things and has been doing them for more than a season now.
"He’s probably one of the players that has surprised me the most. I could see straight away that he had qualities, but I didn’t see all of this coming.
"He has the ability to entertain. He always produces good passes and very good assists. What I love about him is when he receives the ball he is always looking up and many times he has the pass in mind before he receives the ball. This is a quality only the really big players have. I’m impressed.
"In the last game, I saw a wonderful free kick from him, which is something that lights up my eyes all the time.
"This is all down to him and the people who have coached and helped him. Now he needs to continue because he is becoming a sensational player."
Despite Palmer's outstanding form, Zola believes the England forward must not grow complacent but instead aim to become a world star.
"You never settle for what you have achieved," Zola said. "The big players want to be the man of the match, then the player of the month, then the best in the year and then the best in the country and abroad.
"You have to have this ambition, to get better all the time, because the demands of modern football are very high.
"If you don’t have high motivation you can’t make it."
What's the one thing nobody is talking about?published at 16:43 16 October
16:43 16 October
After all the talk of chaos and uncertainty at Chelsea over the summer, Enzo Maresca has started his reign at Stamford Bridge impressively.
The Blues are fourth in the early Premier League table after seven games with Maresca and Cole Palmer being named manager and player of the month for September.
But you know your club best. The wider noise may have died down, but what's the one thing nobody is talking about - good or bad?
'Liverpool beware' - Chelsea are Reds' 'biggest challenge yet'published at 11:56 16 October
11:56 16 October
Pat Nevin Former footballer and presenter
Image source, Getty Images
I can't wait to get back to the real action on the field in the Premier League this weekend. There are the usual raft of stories and intrigues, but it is hard to look past the game of the weekend.
Liverpool host Chelsea at Anfield on Sunday and if there was ever a match to prove a major point, this is it for both sides.
A Chelsea win and they can claim they are bona fide challengers for the top four, as they would only be a point behind the Reds, who are currently top.
With home advantage, Arne Slot's Liverpool would love to put a seven-point gap between them and the wealthy whippersnappers from down south.
It is a tough one to call. Liverpool must be favourites as Chelsea haven't beaten them in the past nine meetings but this is the current league leaders' biggest challenge yet.
For once, playing away from home might not be a negative for the Blues.
They have won all three of their away Premier League games this season with a combined score of 10-2. Liverpool beware.
