The Premier League is set to resume with a highly anticipated clash between Liverpool and Chelsea at Anfield on Sunday, as two of the division’s top teams face off in a battle for supremacy.

Liverpool sits atop the Premier League standings, courtesy of their hard-fought 1-0 victory over Crystal Palace before the international break. This win maintained their impressive start to the season, with Arne Slot’s side securing eight wins from nine matches.On the other hand, Chelsea was held to a 1-1 draw by Nottingham Forest in their last outing. Despite this setback, the Blues boast an impressive attacking record, scoring 16 goals, the second-highest tally in the Premier League this season.Liverpool’s defensive resilience has been a cornerstone of their success, conceding a mere two goals this season. Their seven league outings have yielded an impressive 5.2 Expected Goals (xG) conceded, underscoring their ability to nullify opponents’ attacking threats.However, Chelsea’s potent attack, led by the likes of Jackson and Raheem Sterling, will undoubtedly test the Reds’ defensive mettle. The Blues’ attacking prowess has been a hallmark of their season, and they will look to exploit any vulnerabilities in Liverpool’s backline.Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca can become the fifth manager in Premier League history to win his first four away games, a feat that would cement his side’s status as genuine title contenders.Moreover, the Blues will be seeking to end a nine-game winless run against Liverpool, dating back to March 2021. This psychological barrier will undoubtedly motivate Maresca’s side to produce a standout performance.Liverpool will be without the services of goalkeeper Alisson Becker and midfielder Harvey Elliott due to injury. Federico Chiesa’s status remains uncertain, while Caoimhin Kelleher will deputize in goal.

Chelsea, meanwhile, will miss the suspended Wesley Fofana and Marc Cucurella. Reece James returns from injury, while Filip Jorgensen has shaken off a recent scare.The clash between Chelsea’s attacking trio and Liverpool’s defensive trio of Virgil van Dijk, Joe Gomez, and Andrew Robertson promises to be an enthralling spectacle.Mohamed Salah’s pace and guile will test Chelsea’s backline, particularly in the absence of Fofana and Cucurella. Conversely, Chelsea’s midfield duo of Enzo Fernandes and Caicedo will look to nullify Liverpool’s creative hub, comprising Gravenberch and Szoboszlai. However, Chelsea’s attacking prowess and Enzo Maresca’s tactical acumen ensure that the Blues will push Liverpool to the limit. Ultimately, the outcome will depend on which side can assert its dominance and dictate the tempo of the game.

Sunday’s encounter promises to be an electrifying contest, pitting Chelsea’s attacking flair against Liverpool’s defensive solidity. The Reds enter the match as slight favorites, bolstered by a well-rested Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk.

Best tip: Over 1.5

Correct score: 1:1