As the Premier League returned after the international break, there was plenty of action on Saturday. However, the most exciting fixture of the weekend, at least on paper, is set to take place on Sunday. Liverpool, who began the gameweek as league leaders will take on Chelsea, who were placed fourth.
Coming into gameweek eight, Chelsea were second in the league in terms of goals scored with 16, only behind Manchester City on 17. But, Chelsea had also missed 16 big chances against City’s 10. So, it could be argued that in terms of pure goal threat, Chelsea has been the best team in the Premier League so far this season.
Meanwhile, Liverpool has had the best defence in the league so far, conceding only two goals (the next-best record was for Arsenal with six goals conceded).
It then looks like the Sunday fixture, at 9pm IST, will very much be a case of attack against defence. However, not quite in the traditional sense, as both teams will want to control the game—Liverpool ranked second for passes, behind City, with 4,000, while Chelsea were fifth with 3,575 passes. When you consider the fact that the Reds are not far behind Chelsea in terms of goals scored—they are joint fifth on 13—and that the match is being played at Anfield, it becomes increasingly clear that Chelsea will find it difficult to upset the table-toppers.
One battle that will be key to the outcome of the match though will be Chelsea’s most potent attacking threat Cole Palmer against Ryan Gravenberch, who is playing a more defensive role in Liverpool’s midfield this season. Both have been excellent in their roles this term, and it seems as if whether Chelsea can overcome the home team depends on whether Palmer, who has six goals and five assists so far, can win the midfield duel against the Dutchman.
The 22-year-old has looked revitalised by his new role under Dutch coach Arne Slot and has been a key cog in Liverpool’s dynamic midfield. He has broken up play with ease and has looked comfortable driving into the opposition’s final third. These runs often draw opponents in, freeing his teammates to receive the ball and Gravenberch stood second in the league for passes at the end of a ball carry, behind City’s Mateo Kovacic, ahead of the gameweek. However, Chelsea’s attacking threat may see him playing a slightly more reserved role.
Therefore, it maybe his ball-winning capabilities that are more prominent on Sunday.
And, he has been among the best players in the league for both ball recoveries and duel success.
The biggest threat for Liverpool could be quick counter-attacks. Their only defeat of the season so far was at home and was the result of a successful counter-attack by Nottingham Forest. Under new manager Enzo Maresca, Chelsea has excelled in counter-attacks. Indeed the Blues were clear at the top in terms of shots from quick counter-attacks after the first seven gameweeks, with 11 (the teams in joint second, which included Forest, had 9 each).
Palmer, also 22, expectedly, has been key in the most impressive of these breakaway chances. Indeed, since he joined Chelsea last season, the Englishman has been brilliant at creating chances from fast breaks, both for himself and for his teammates. He has created eight such chances this season, while taking on seven shots. As a result, in terms of direct attacking threat from dribbles, he has arguably been the most well-rounded—goal contributions, shots and chances created—threat this season, even ahead of City’s Erling Haaland and Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka.
Therefore, while Liverpool has plenty of potency in the attack, they will have to keep Palmer quiet to avoid nervy moments in defence. To achieve this, Gravenberch will have to stay close to Palmer and prevent him from getting into his stride. It will take a dogged and determined performance and he will need plenty of help from his partner in midfield.
If Gravenberch wins the battle of the two 22-year-olds, that will most definitely give Liverpool the platform to comfortably see off Chelsea’s challenge. If Palmer finds space and time, it could lead to another upset at Anfield.