Liverpool vs Chelsea: Tactical Analysis | Match Preview | Key battles | Predicted Lineup

Premier League matchweek 3 will witness the season's first heavyweight clash as Liverpool and Chelsea go head-to-head at Anfield on Saturday. 

We uncover a tactical preview, predicted lineup and key battles between Liverpool and Chelsea that could decide the flow of the game.  

Liverpool vs Chelsea: Tactical Preview, Predicted Lineup

In a tight game like this, the first goal will be crucial. Jurgen Klopp and his men would be aiming to get an early goal in the game. 

A lot will depend on how well Liverpool press the back three and the two central midfielders of Chelsea, along with ensuring that Klopp's men don't give any space to Chelsea's two wing-backs, Recce James and Marcos Alonso to make their trademark forward runs.

The return of Virgil van Dijk has made Liverpool's defense more resolute as compared to last season.

However, if Chelsea score first, the game could be stretched wide open with Liverpool committing more bodies forward.

We saw in the Arsenal vs Chelsea game, how Romelu Lukaku was used as the focal point of attack, and we doubt Tuchel would be changing his plan for this game.

Chelsea has finally solved their puzzle after finding a potentially final piece in the jigsaw which was their striker's position.       

Liverpool Predicted XI (4-3-3): Alisson; Van Dijk, Matip, Alexander-Arnold, Tsimikas, Keita, Henderson, Alcantara, Salah, Jota, Mane 

Chelsea Predicted XI (3-4-2-1): Mendy; Apilicueta, Christensen, Rudiger, James, Jorginho, Kovacic, Alonso, Mount, Havertz, Lukaku  

Liverpool vs Chelsea: Key Battles 

1. Romelu Lukaku vs Virgil van Dijk 

Lukaku showed Chelsea what they were lacking in a debut game against Arsenal, and will continue the same form when he travels to Anfield on Saturday. 

The Belgium striker has the ability to take on the toughest of defenders and he is set to face one on Saturday.

While Van Dijk has been imperious since returning from his injury and helped his team keep clean sheets in both the games. 

Both are physically strong and good in aerial duels it will be exciting to watch them play against each other once again.

#2 Mohamed Salah vs Antonio Rudiger 

Salah has established himself as one of the prominent players of Liverpool, one of the prolific goal scorers. Salah will mostly encounter Chelsea’s Antonio Rudiger and should step up to the plate against him. 

Under Tuchel, Antonio Rudiger has evolved into a ferocious defender he has been named in top Premier League defenders. Antonio Rudiger should be confident when coming across pacy Egyptian.     

#3 Thiago Alcantara vs Jorginho 

Thiago Alcantara has suffered few setbacks since his arrival at the field and is yet to show his prowess. The Spaniard will mostly face off against Chelsea’s Jorginho and should rise to the occasion in the match against Chelsea.

Jorginho on the other hand had a year to remember, he has become more effective since the arrival of of Thomas Tuchel and has become a crucial component of Chelsea's tactical transformation since joining the club. 

The recently crowned UEFA Men's Player of the Year will go up against one of the creative midfielders of Liverpool and should be able to deliver against him.    

We hope you liked this tactical preview and predicted lineup for this weekend's massive clash between Liverpool and Chelsea.

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