It may have been a glorious summer for Chelsea, but it is safe to say that the FIFA Club World Cup winners are suffering the after-effects of their extended post-season.

Following a transfer window during which the sporting directors sought to improve the squad depth, the jury is still out considering they failed to acquire a world-class centre-back or goalkeeper. 

Injuries have unfortunately played a part early on in Chelsea’s 2025/26 campaign as Levi Colwill, Liam Delap and Dario Essugo have been struck by long-term injuries in the first two months of the season. 

Hence, Enzo Maresca’s team haven’t been at their best with two wins and two draws from their first six Premier League games. They have failed to win in the league since the September international break, conceding a last-gasp equaliser at Brentford before losing to Manchester United and Brighton. 

The pressure is therefore cranking up at Stamford Bridge, as they also lost their UEFA Champions League opening game at Bayern Munich.

Jose Mourinho’s return with Benfica on Matchday 2 was therefore important to get back on track. Chelsea secured all three points thanks to a decisive own goal from Richard Rios who turned in a cross from Alejandro Garnacho in the 19th minute.

It was not a vintage performance but Maresca will be delighted with the result as he prepares his side for the visit of Premier League champions Liverpool.

Mission Reds redemption 

Any game against Arne Slot’s team is a daunting affair, but Chelsea must secure a result without the services of Andrey Santos, Tosin Adarabioyo, Wesley Fofana, Trevoh Chalobah, Cole Palmer and Mykhailo Mudryk due to minor injuries or suspension.

The Blues got the better of a Liverpool side in celebratory mood during the final stages of last season, and they will be looking for a similar result here. 

Par for the course, the Reds are currently playing below the high standards that saw them stroll to the league title. 

Slot is leading a transition from the team that he inherited to one trying to integrate a host of new players, with underwhelming showings so far. 

A Victor Osimhen penalty in Istanbul compounded Liverpool to defeat against Galatasaray in the Champions League, proving their second consecutive loss following the 2-1 setback at Crystal Palace.

Yet, Liverpool had won their previous seven matches in all competitions this season and remain two points clear of Arsenal at the top of the Premier League table.

This is because a number of dramatic late winners have papered over unconvincing performances since their expensive rebuild of the Premier League-winning squad.

After an unprecedented £450 million spend over the summer, defensive errors and high-profile mistakes have characterised their season so far.

Slot’s side do not look as stable as they did last term, with the team’s balance having been affected by the addition of new players.

Nothing lasts forever

Liverpool are vulnerable at the back, with Ibrahima Konate putting in yet another poor performance at Galatasaray after coming in for heavy criticism against Palace. 

They are stuck with the Frenchman and Virgil van Dijk at the heart of defence after failing to recruit Marc Guehi, with Giovanni Leoni Leoni suffering an anterior cruciate ligament injury on his debut. 

Liverpool also have issues at full-back; where Dominik Szoboszlai has filled in at right-back in recent weeks while Jeremie Frimpong, who was criticised by his manager after the loss to Palace, was deployed as a winger in Istanbul. On the opposite flank, Milos Kerkez has failed to impress at both ends of the pitch, undermining the team’s development. 

Ryan Gravenberch’s struggles in midfield embody the sense of calm and control which has evaporated since their title win. Thus, Liverpool have only kept two clean sheets in ten matches this season, which is a far cry from six at the same stage last term.

Further forward, record signing Alexander Isak is still lacking match fitness following his drawn-out summer transfer saga, and will take some time to reach his usual performance levels. 

Florian Wirtz, under the pressure of his £116m pricetag, already looks lost despite his best efforts to adapt to the English top-flight.

Star man Mohamed Salah also looks a shadow of the razor-sharp player he was last season as

Liverpool’s luck seems to have run out. Having secured six of their seven wins this season via late winning goals, the Merseysiders could not conjure up any late drama in their last two games. 

Meanwhile, Hugo Ekitike is a doubt for the trip to Chelsea who will be pleased that goalkeeper Alisson is not only missing out, but Caoimhin Kelleher has now moved to Brentford, having made a habit of playing well against the Blues. 

As Slot faces his first major challenge since arriving at Anfield, Maresca will be primed to get one over his Dutch counterpart. 

Smelling Blood

Despite the considerable injuries, Chelsea have enough firepower to hurt Liverpool’s fragile backline like they did in both fixtures last term. The hosts will look to capitalise on the champions’ vulnerability through the centre as opponents have dribbled straight at the Liverpool defence far too easily this season. 

Benoit Badiashile made his return from injury in the win over Benfica and his first start in over two months is perfect timing amidst Chelsea’s absences. Maresca has been without a natural left-sided centre-back since Colwill’s injury and Badiashile’s crisp passing will be vital against Liverpool.

Romeo Lavia is another recent returnee who could play a crucial part at the base of midifeld, with his guile and vision massively improving Chelsea’s build-up play. The Belgian was impressive in last season’s games against Liverpool and will be needed for balance and control across the centre of the pitch. 

Although neither Chelsea nor Liverpool are currently playing at their best, the Blues can seize this opportunity to get one over their domestic rivals. Liverpool are winless in their last four league visits to Stamford Bridge, where brilliant defending is not expected to be a hallmark of this occasion.

The Reds have the better attack on paper, but theirs has failed to liven up this season while Chelsea could be thrown into crisis should they lose this game. 

That scrappy victory over Benfica must galvanise Maresca’s men for the sort of effective performances that saw them secure a top four spot at the back-end of last season.