Enzo Maresca made an encouraging start at Stamford Bridge.
The Blues have picked up 14 points from their last six Premier League outings, having lost their opening game against Manchester City. Keeping up this pace is a challenge for Chelsea, who are looking to qualify for the Champions League this season.
Chelsea’s impressive 4-2 win over Brighton at the end of last month had everyone, including the bookies, reacting. However, we assess whether or not now is the time to back Maresca’s side as they prepare to take on Liverpool.
Odds provided by Unibet. Data correct at time of publication and subject to change.
Chelsea have a difficult series of games ahead of them
There is no doubt that Chelsea have improved compared to last season. They scored an average of 2.29 goals per game, with only Manchester City scoring more in the top flight of English football, but their poor defense added to their struggles.
Six of the Blues’ goals came against Wolves, who conceded the most goals in the Premier League, averaging three per game. Chelsea also took advantage of a West Ham defense that was in disarray last month.
The Hammers’ top line was very vulnerable when the team lost possession and Maresca’s side were able to move forward. A week later, Brighton’s defense fell apart as they conceded four goals in the first half against the Blues. A gift from Adam Webster was the first goal of the game, and shortly after, Carlos Baleba conceded a penalty.
In their last outing, Chelsea faced a much tougher Nottingham Forest team at Stamford Bridge. Nuno Espirito Santo’s side had only conceded six goals before the game. Forest settled for a 1:1 draw. Only Arsenal and Liverpool have a better defensive record at this point.
There will be difficult games against Chelsea in the coming weeks. He will face Liverpool and Arsenal, the strongest defenders in the league, in the next four league games.
The other two games are against Newcastle and Manchester United. The Blues also have two Europa Conference League games to play, as well as an EFL Cup game against Eddie Howe’s side during this period.
The Blues will face the defenders of Liverpool
Liverpool have the best defense in the Premier League this season. They have conceded just two goals in seven games, meaning their opponents have scored an average of just 0.29 goals per game. The league leaders will be hoping to keep their defense tight again to try and thwart Chelsea’s attack.
Arne Slot won nine of his ten games in charge of the Reds. The underlying data of the competition is also promising.
Their xGA of 5.72 is the lowest in the division. Chance creation has not been a problem either. Liverpool have scored an average of 1.86 goals per game and have the third best xG in the Premier League.
The Reds have a great reputation in front of their home crowd. They have lost just three home games in the Premier League since the start of the 2021/22 campaign and have conceded just 0.79 goals per game on average.
Chelsea have won just one of their last nine Premier League games at Anfield.
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2024-10-17 09:25:00
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