The Premier League returns after an international hiatus this weekend and Peter Crouch has his lofty sights set on Liverpool v Chelsea at Anfield on Sunday.
Both sides have exceeded expectations so far this season, but Crouchy says the table-topping Reds will continue their progress under Arne Slot at the expense of Enzo Maresca’s young side.
Liverpool v Chelsea Betting Tips
Match Odds: Liverpool
Mo Salah to score
Cole Palmer to score
Enzo Fernandez to commit 1+ fouls
- A Bet Builder with these selections pays at approximately 11/1 with Paddy Power. CLICK HERE TO ADD TO YOUR BETSLIP.
WHEN: Sunday, October 20 – 4:30pm
WHERE: Anfield, Liverpool
TV: Sky Sports Main Event, Premier League
I didn’t see this Chelsea start coming at all—if I’m honest, I thought it was going to be a bit of a disaster!
Enzo Maresca has got them playing, though, and I like how he’s done it.
You’d have wondered how on earth he was going to handle all these players. It felt like every week, they were getting another for £60 million or so, but he’s said, “This is my squad, and these players aren’t part of it,” and got on with it. As players, you respect that, as everyone knows where they stand.
The team’s begun to gel and he deserves much credit for it. I’ve watched them live a few times this year. Nicolas Jackson is scoring again and his goal record is excellent. People look at the chances he missed last season, but I think he needs to be respected more than he has been.
Cole Palmer’s electric, too. I love watching him play. He’s got so much talent and now has the confidence to go with it. He looks the real deal. Those two seem to have a good understanding.
Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo look better in midfield as well and defensively, they look sound, so I’ve been impressed.
They look the “best of the rest” outside the top three.
That’s because Liverpool’s start has them at the top of the table and it looks like they can challenge Arsenal and Manchester City.
That surprised me, too. I mean, oh my God, it’s been unbelievably seamless going from Jurgen Klopp to Arne Slot.
He’s got his ideas and employed his philosophy, but he hasn’t made wholesale change – because they weren’t needed – he’s put his stamp on the team.
I like him because, having interviewed him a couple of times for TNT, his standards are high. There have been a few big games where they’ve won, but he’s still not happy.
You win two or three-nil, and it’s like, “I wasn’t happy with this, I wasn’t happy with that.” He expects high standards. And they’re playing good football. They are a little more patient, but they have been fantastic at times in their build-up play and look a proper side.
He’s put them in the conversation for the title.
Match Odds: Liverpool
However, this will be their biggest test so far, especially with Chelsea full of confidence.
I can see a high-scoring game on Sunday. Much as I’ve been impressed by Chelsea, Liverpool at home look too strong to me.
Chelsea will give up chances, and Wesley Fofana is a loss, though they have the strength in depth to cope with some absences. Liverpool, though, can be ruthless when given a chance, and I expect them to win 3-1.
Mo Salah to score
Dominik Szoboszlai scored for Hungary in midweek, and I wouldn’t rule him out as a possible goalscorer, but Mo Salah is the obvious one for a reason. To be honest, I wouldn’t be surprised if he got a couple, the way he has been playing.
Cole Palmer to score
For Chelsea, Cole Palmer is the biggest threat. He takes free kicks and penalties, and he’s as likely to make a goal for someone else as to score one, so I’ll go for him this week to score or assist.
Enzo Fernandez to commit 1+ fouls
Chelsea’s expensive midfield has started to fit together this season, and Fernandez and Caicedo are working well. They’ll be busy on Sunday, and Enzo is usually good for a foul.
* All prices are bang up to date with our snazzy widgets, while odds in copy are accurate at time of publishing but subject to change.
Peter Crouch’s Liverpool v Chelsea Bet Builder
Match Odds: Liverpool
Mo Salah to score
Cole Palmer to score
Enzo Fernandez to commit 1+ fouls
- A Bet Builder with these selections pays at approximately 11/1 with Paddy Power. CLICK HERE TO ADD TO YOUR BETSLIP.
Want more football tips this weekend?
- Football Tips: Read Joe Cole’s Best Bets for Sunday’s Premier League action
- Premier League Predictions: Lawro sees Man Utd, Everton and Liverpool wins
- Forest v Palace Tips: Joe Cole’s got a smashing 31/1 punt for Monday night
- Liverpool v Chelsea Tips: Andy Robson’s 12/1 Premier League Bet Builder
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