THIS is the first blockbuster clash of the new Premier League season as Chelsea's big summer signings look to prove their worth when champions Liverpool come calling.
Both sides started their campaigns with victories but neither was particularly convincing, with the Reds scraping a 4-3 win over Leeds while Chelsea ground out a 3-1 triumph at Brighton.
Now they face off in a fascinating clash which will give us some indication of whether a new challenger is ready to slug it out with Liverpool and Manchester City in the title race.
Chelsea spent millions in the summer to bridge the gap, bringing in German duo Kai Havertz and Timo Werner, Ajax winger Hakim Ziyech, Leicester full-back Ben Chilwell and veteran PSG stopper Thiago Silva.
Liverpool have opted for stability instead, with only back-up defender Konstantinos Tsimikas and Bayern Munich playmaker Thiago arriving so far.
The same players have largely been carrying the burden for two stellar seasons and more new arrivals may be needed to keep Jurgen Klopp's men at the summit of the game.
How the bookies view it
The champions are the favourites, with Liverpool 6/5 for a win at Bet365. Chelsea's best price is 9/4 with Unibet and the draw is 13/5 at Bet365. This is a tough one to call but if pushed I would maybe go for the stalemate.
Recent head to head
These sides met four times last season, starting with a 2-2 draw in the European Super Cup before Liverpool edged it on penalties (below). Klopp's side won both league meetings but Chelsea claimed a 2-0 triumph at Stamford Bridge in the FA Cup.
Liverpool's recent league record at the Bridge is superb, losing on just one of their last six visits.
Team news
Big signing Werner suffered a dead leg while winning a penalty against Brighton but Chelsea are hoping he will be fit to start. Fellow new boys Chilwell, Silva and Ziyech are also doubts along with winger Christian Pulisic but Mateo Kovacic returns from suspension.
Liverpool new boy Thiago is unlikely to be thrown in for a baptism a fire but Klopp should have most of his big guns available.
Players to watch
With Werner an injury doubt, it may be safer to back countryman Havertz instead for a Blues goal. He was prolific with Leverkusen and is 27/10 with 888Sport for anytime scorer here.
Mo Salah was Liverpool's hat-trick hero last weekend and helped to bring up all of our man Scott Allot's tips. But he's just a best 5/4 here for anytime scorer with 888Sport so I'm backing Sadio Mane (below) instead at 9/5 with Unibet.
Anything else catch the eye?
Both teams to score has come up in 11 of the last 14 meetings between these sides so I'm not too surprised to see it a best 11/20 with Unibet here. The odds are a bit better on a goal in each half, at 8/13 with William Hill, while over 2.5 goals is 4/6 with the same firm. Doubling up some of these bets could give you some value.
For a decent long-odds option, Trent Alexander-Arnold is 12/1 with Skybet to score from outside the area, something he managed twice against Chelsea last season.
Liverpool averaged 6.5 corners against Chelsea last term so I like the look of the evens William Hill are offering on them winning over one corner in each half this time.
There hasn't been much needle of late between these sides, with over 3.5 cards only coming up once in their last six meetings. Under 3.5 cards pays 5/6 with Bet365 for this one and is decent value.
This English Premier League match between Chelsea and Liverpool will be played on Sep 20, 2020 and kick off at 16:30. Check below for our tipsters best Chelsea vs Liverpool prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
