Liverpool seek response in tricky Chelsea trip

If Arsenal secure all three points against West Ham earlier in the day, Liverpool could be knocked off the top of the Premier League table before they kick off against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Saturday.

Liverpool will seek a response as they arrive in London reeling from back-to-back defeats for the first time under Arne Slot. After winning their opening five league matches, the champions were undone by Eddie Nketiah's late goal in a 2-1 loss at Crystal Palace last weekend, before suffering a 1-0 Champions League defeat at Galatasaray in midweek. With none of those early-season wins being entirely convincing, their current stumble has opened the door for rivals to close the gap.

Chelsea, meanwhile, are also seeking a turnaround. Enzo Maresca's side have collected just one point from their last three league matches and are already seven points adrift of the leaders in eighth place. Their discipline has proved costly: Trevoh Chalobah's red card shifted the momentum in a 3-1 home defeat to Brighton last weekend, while goalkeeper Robert Sanchez was sent off early in the recent loss at Manchester United. Since the start of last season, the Blues have collected 118 cards -- the most in the division.

Injuries have compounded the problems, with defenders Levi Colwill, Wesley Fofana and Tosin Adarabioyo all sidelined alongside Dario Essugo, Liam Delap, Cole Palmer and Andrey Santos. Despite the setbacks, Chelsea did edge Benfica 1-0 in midweek, a result that kept morale alive.

Maresca, who has already delivered the UEFA Conference League and Club World Cup in 2025, insisted Liverpool remain "the best team in England," while stressing that Chelsea "will be there and close" once the squad regains stability.

Liverpool are also winless in their last four league visits to Stamford Bridge, adding another layer of intrigue to Saturday's clash.