Chelsea versus Liverpool will prove who Man City's closest challengers are

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  • A sense of familiarity defines a clash on Saturday that should shed light on who will be Manchester City’s most-persistent challengers in 2018/19.

    Belgium forward Eden Hazard’s sublime late solo goal saw Chelsea come away from Liverpool on Wednesday with an encouraging 2-1 victory in the Carabao Cup’s third round. Only three days later, a repeat meeting – this time at Stamford Bridge – of greater resonance awaits in the Premier League.

    The visitors boast the division’s only 100-per-cent record, despite, apparently, not hitting top gear. Maurizio Sarri’s revitalised Blues now find themselves two points in arrears after last weekend’s dull goalless stalemate at West Ham United ended their spotless run.

    A classic rivalry – the fixture is the 21st century’s most played in English football – and a potentially classic contest. This should be one to savour.

    TALKING POINT – PUTTING A STAKE IN THE GROUND

    The season is less than two months old, but this already feels like a defining clash.

    Optimism abounds at the Bridge after Sarri successfully transplanted his heavy-pressing, possession-heavy football from Napoli. The rigours and recriminations from countryman Antonio Conte’s bitter second season have been consigned to the past.

    In the opposite corner, Liverpool’s £160.9 million (Dh770.8m) summer spend has, seemingly, helped construct their strongest side in at least a decade. When allied to the resident genius of manager Jurgen Klopp, the regular refrain of “it’s our year” does not ring hollow this time.

    Klopp is an astute watcher of football and hints at where Chelsea can be hurt will have been mined from the Carabao Cup loss.

    Furthermore, Arsenal’s Unai Emery deduced last month that space is to be found on the edge of the Blues’ penalty box now that anchorman-without-compare N’Golo Kante has been pushed up and Italy’s Jorginho is selected for his passing ability – his 180 attempted passes against the Hammers was the most since PL records began – rather than defensive nous.

    An invitation, if needed, for Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane to strike when full-strength XIs are deployed.

    Beyond the battle in the dugout, intriguing individual bouts await. Hazard’s five goals and two assists from six appearance – the Premier League’s best combined return – showcase a player free of both a World Cup hangover and the tactical shackles of the previous regime.

    If a rib injury keeps supreme Netherlands centre-back Virgil van Dijk on the sidelines, the promise of more to follow only strengthens.

    Egypt forward Salah has not yet hit such heights in 2018/19. If he can add to his tally of four goals in seven matches against his former employers, then redress will be at hand.

    The Reds are in need of such a boost. They’ve won just two of their last 15 matches against Chelsea, also failing to keep a clean sheet during their previous 14 top-flight matches with them.

    KEY BATTLE – OLIVIER GIROUD v JOE GOMEZ

    West Ham United v Chelsea FC - Premier League

    Don’t expect Hazard and Salah to define this match.

    The real differential will be found elsewhere.

    Chelsea centre forward Olivier Giroud comes alive when Liverpool are in opposition. His five goals in his last six league appearances versus them includes 2017/18’s winner during the corresponding fixture.

    This contrasts the wasteful performance of deflated stand-in Alvaro Morata on Wednesday.

    If Van Dijk does fail a late fitness test, Giroud’s proclivity for goals will be brought into sharper focus.

    England’s Joe Gomez has revelled in playing next to the Dutchman at centre-back. Cameroon’s Joel Matip, if required, must provide similar assurance.

    WHAT THE MANAGERS SAY

    MAURIZIO SARRI

    “I don’t think so [when asked if Carabao Cup win provides an advantage]. Maybe they can increase their determination after Wednesday.

    “It will be a difficult match tomorrow. I think they are ready now to win the Premier.”

    JURGEN KLOPP

    “Before we started, it was clear the game at Chelsea would not be a children’s birthday.

    “It will be tough and intense for both sides. It’s a big one. It already sounds good, and we have to make sure it is good.”

    WHAT WE THINK – CHELSEA 1-3 LIVERPOOL 

    Liverpool’s attacking weapons should prove too much for the hosts, who gave up several glaring chances last weekend in the 0-0 draw at West Ham.

    Hazard showed in the Carabao Cup meeting that the Blues possess Europe’s in-form player. This will not be enough, however, for the result to be repeated when the full-strength sides clash this weekend.

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