If last season’s second place finish in the Premier League and subsequent return to the Champions League was the stuff of dreams for Liverpool and their supporters, this season has been a bad nightmare. Nothing has gone right for the Reds as most of the summer signings have failed to live up to expectations and injuries have left their offense unable to produce goals.
Liverpool vs. Chelsea live stream: How to watch the EPL online, TV schedule and more
This match against the league leaders couldn’t come at worse time for the Reds.
Gonzalo Arroyo Moreno
Now they face Chelsea for the first time this season in a match that couldn't come at a worse time for Liverpool, though to be fair, there's not really been a good time this season. The continued absence of Daniel Sturridge is hindering the Liverpool attack and the winger is still not expected back until closer to Thanksgiving.
Things are much better for Chelsea at the moment though Jose Mourinho will likely not be thrilled with his team’s lackluster draw against Maribor in the Champions League. The result really didn’t hurt the Blues in their group, but it’s the kind of game they still expect to win. For now though, Mourinho will be looking for his team to take care of Liverpool and enter the international break on a positive note.
Key Player: Someone! Anyone! In the Liverpool attack.
Mario? Raheem? ANYONE? Someone needs to step up for the Reds if they have any hope of getting a result against Chelsea. Realistically, it needs to be more than one player ... it needs to be a total team effort at the front and back. There are talented individuals on this Liverpool roster, the ability is there for them to be successful, but they simply are not clicking this season. Fans can blame Rodgers, they can blame Mario, it really doesn’t matter. The team deserves blame because the team isn’t doing the job.
Kay Matchup: Liverpool's central defense vs. Diego Costa and Friends
Whomever starts in the middle of the Reds defense is going to have a long day on Saturday. Martin Skrtel, Kolo Touré, Dejan Lovren, it really doesn't matter who starts, they just have to find a way to slow down Chelsea's offense. A piece of cake really! The combination of Srktel and Touré played alright against Real Madrid and that could lead Rodgers to sending them out against against the Blues.
Liverpool injuries and suspensions
Out: Daniel Sturridge (calf), José Enrique (knee), Jon Flanagan (knee), Mamadou Sakho (thigh), Suso (groin)
Chelsea injuries and suspensions
In Doubt: John Obi Mikel (knee), Loic Rémy (groin)
Daniel Sturridge is still out for Liverpool and probably won't return until later this month, leaving Brendan Rodgers with continued problems up front. For Chelsea Mikel and Rémy are doubtful, but could make the bench depending on how they feel on Saturday.
Match Date/Time: Saturday, 12:45 p.m. local, 7:45 am. ET
Venue: Anfield, Liverpool, England
TV: NBCSN (U.S. - English), Mun2 (U.S. - Spanish), BT Sport 1 (U.K.), Sportsnet Regional (Canada)
Online: NBC Live Extra, Deportes Telemundo En Vivo (U.S.), BT Sport (U.K.), Sportsnet World (Canada)
See More:
