The headline fixture of Premier League opening weekend comes with a heavyweight showdown at Stamford Bridge, where a fresh era dawns today as new manager Mauricio Pochettino takes charge of his first competitive match. Any clash between Chelsea and Liverpool is a high-profile occasion, but no shortage of extra spice has been sprinkled onto this afternoon’s contest following what has transpired in the transfer market over the past week. The two clubs have been engaged in a furious bidding war for Brighton’s Moises Caicedo and are also going head to head over Southampton’s Romeo Lavia, with Chelsea seemingly leading the way in both deals as things stand. They will hope to drive home that advantage further on the pitch here, immediately banishing memories of an utterly disastrous 2022/23 campaign in which they slumped to their worst top-flight finish since 1994.
Liverpool are also on the comeback trail after missing out on the top four and Champions League qualification altogether last term, and name new arrivals Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai as a midfield pairing in an incredibly attacking side. Follow Chelsea vs Liverpool live below, with expert analysis from Nizaar Kinsella in west London. Chelsea vs Liverpool latest updates Live updates 8 mins: Chelsea finally getting a touch of the ball, need to settle into this match.
Silva pings a long ball out wide to Chilwell, who is pushing right up the pitch in the early stages. Liverpool win it back though, Szoboszlai brings it away down the right and wins a cheap free-kick. 2 minutes ago Nizaar Kinsella at Stamford Bridge Chukwuemeka is playing very high, Sterling tucking in when out of possession. It looks like a 4-4-2 without the ball for Chelsea. 2 minutes ago 6 mins: It’s all Liverpool. Jota should play Diaz in, but too much on the pass and the winger is forced wide. The visitors stay on the attack though, Szoboszlai skipping past the challenges and into the box.
Chops inside, Jota takes it off him and slices a shot wide. 5 minutes ago 4 mins: Very early yellow card for Chukwuemeka, and he can’t really have any complaints. Bouncing ball, Konate heads it away and Chukwuemeka comes in with a very high boot. Catches Konate, he’s straight into the book. Not a great start. 7 minutes ago 2 mins: It’s Liverpool straight on the front foot, as you’d expect considering the lineup. Not a defensive midfielder to be seen. Mac Allister whips a cross into the box, Jota gets across his man but flicks the header wide of the far post.
