Chelsea to host Liverpool in gameweek seven of the Premier League as both teams look to return to winning ways following disappointing results over recent days.
While Chelsea went down 3-1 to Brighton & Hove Albion at home in their last league fixture, Liverpool suffered a shock late defeat at the hands of Crystal Palace.
The Blues were seemingly cruising with a 1-0 lead at home to the Seagulls until defender Trevoh Chalobah was shown a straight red card for the denial of a clear goal-scoring opportunity. The dismissal triggered a collapse as the home side conceded three goals to slump to their second consecutive league defeat.
Meanwhile, Liverpool's perfect start to the league was ended when they were beaten 2-1 at Selhurst Park. The Reds seemed to have snatched a late equaliser against the Eagles, but a last-gasp winner from Eddie Nketiah saw Palace steal all three points.
Liverpool then lost 1-0 to Galatasaray in the UEFA Champions League this week, while Chelsea battled to a victory at home to Benfica, managed by former Blues boss Jose Mourinho, by the same scoreline.
While recent results might be similar, these teams have largely had contrasting starts to the season. While the Blues are languishing in eighth place in the league table, the Reds continue to sit on top.
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Chelsea vs. Liverpool lineups: Predicted starting XI, team news, injury latest
Chelsea's defeat to Brighton proved even more frustrating for Enzo Maresca as Andrey Santos suffered an injury during the game and is now ruled out until after the international break.
The youngster joins a large pool of players on the treatment table, which includes the likes of Tosin Adarabioyo, Liam Delap, Levi Colwill, Dario Essugo and Cole Palmer.
In addition to the injuries, Trevoh Chalobah is banned for this game after his red card against Brighton. Mykhailo Mudryk continues to serve a doping suspension.
Since Benoit Badiashile and Romeo Lavia are only just back from injury, it will be interesting to see if Maresca gives them a go from the start against the defending champions.
Chelsea predicted starting XI (4-2-3-1, right to left): Sanchez (GK) — Gusto, Acheampong, Badiashile, Cucurella — Fernandez, Caicedo — Estevao, Buonanotte, Neto — Joao Pedro
Injured: Colwill (ACL), Delap (hamstring), Essugo (thigh), Tosin (calf), Fofana (head), Palmer (groin), Andrey Santos (knock)
Suspended: Chalobah (red card), Mudryk (doping violation)
Liverpool's loss at Galatasaray came at an additional cost as first-choice goalkeeper Alisson sustained a thigh injury and has been ruled out for the game against Chelsea.
In his absence, Giorgi Mamardashvili will make his Premier League debut for the Reds.
In attack, Hugo Ekitike is a doubt for this game after suffering a muscle injury in his last game for the club, although he has now served his one-game domestic suspension.
Meanwhile, new signing Giovanni Leoni has an ACL injury that is set to rule him out for the rest of the season. Midfielder Stefan Bajcetic is out for the foreseeable future with a hamstring injury.
Liverpool starting XI (4-2-3-1, right to left): Mamardashvili (GK) — Frimpong, Konate, Van Dijk, Kerkez — Mac Allister, Gravenberch — Salah, Szoboszlai, Gakpo — Isak
Injured: Alisson (thigh), Leoni (ACL), Bajcetic (hamstring), Ekitike (knock, doubt)
Suspended: None
Chelsea vs. Liverpool match details
- Date: Saturday, October 4, 2025
- Kickoff time: 5:30 p.m. BST / 10 p.m. IST
- Location: Stamford Bridge, London (England)
- Competition: Premier League
- Referee: Anthony Taylor
- VAR: Craig Pawson