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The spotlight of the seventh round of the 2025/26 Premier League season falls on Stamford Bridge this Saturday, October 4, as Chelsea host Liverpool in a highly anticipated clash.
Kick-off is set for 12:30 p.m. ET (5:30 p.m. BST), with the game broadcast live on Sky Sports.
Current Form and Context
Both teams head into the encounter looking to bounce back after disappointing domestic results.
- Liverpool, the defending champions, lead the Premier League with 15 points, but they suffered a shock defeat to Crystal Palace last weekend and were also beaten by Galatasaray in the Champions League midweek.
- Chelsea, currently sitting in 8th place with 8 points, have endured a mixed start to the campaign. The Blues lost to Manchester United and Brighton in September but showed resilience in Europe with a midweek victory over Benfica, where Alejandro Garnacho impressed.
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Chelsea’s Selection Challenges
Manager Enzo Maresca faces significant squad selection issues.
The Blues have as many as eight players unavailable due to injuries and suspensions.
- Injured: Cole Palmer (groin), Tosin Adarabioyo, Levi Colwill, Liam Delap, Dário Essugo, Wesley Fofana (concussion protocol), Andrey Santos.
- Suspended: Trevoh Chalobah.
Maresca emphasized the importance of Benoît Badiashile, who returns to action after injury and is expected to start in central defense.
He will be partnered by either Josh Acheampong or Jorrel Hato, with Moises Caicedo likely to remain in midfield.
The manager may also consider Romeo Lavia in midfield, potentially pushing Enzo Fernandez further forward, with Joao Pedro leading the attack.
Reece James is expected to return to the starting lineup after featuring as a substitute in the midweek Champions League win.
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Liverpool’s Injury Concerns
Liverpool manager Arne Slot also has key absentees to contend with ahead of the trip to London.
- Alisson Becker suffered a hamstring injury during the loss to Galatasaray and will miss the match as well as Brazil’s upcoming international fixtures.
Slot admitted that the goalkeeper is unlikely to return until after the international break. - Giovanni Leoni, the young center-back, faces a lengthy spell on the sidelines after undergoing surgery for a torn ACL.
- Hugo Ekitike remains a doubt after limping off midweek, while Federico Chiesa will be assessed closer to the game.
Summer signing Giorgi Mamardashvili is expected to make his Premier League debut in goal, having replaced Alisson in midweek and started the Carabao Cup win over Southampton.
Alexander Isak is set to lead the line, supported by Mohamed Salah, with Florian Wirtz and Dominik Szoboszlai playing crucial roles in midfield.
Expected Starting Lineups
Chelsea (4-2-3-1):
Sanchez; James, Acheampong, Badiashile, Cucurella; Caicedo, Fernandez; Estevão, Buonanotte, Neto; Joao Pedro.
Liverpool (4-3-3):
Mamardashvili; Bradley, Konaté, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Gravenberch, Mac Allister; Szoboszlai, Wirtz, Salah; Isak.
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Key Storylines to Watch
- Battle of the Backlines: Both teams have been hit hard by defensive injuries, making their makeshift backlines a crucial factor.
- Goalkeeper Situation: With Alisson sidelined and Mamardashvili stepping in, Liverpool will rely on their new signing’s composure in a high-stakes fixture.
- Midfield Matchup: Chelsea’s decision to push Fernandez further forward or pair him deeper with Caicedo could shape the game’s tempo.
- Momentum Shift: Both sides seek to halt recent poor league form ahead of the international break.
See below the official tweet from @livescore:
Match Details
- Date: Saturday, October 4, 2025
- Kick-off: 12:30 p.m. ET / 5:30 p.m. BST
- Venue: Stamford Bridge, London
- Broadcast: Sky Sports
Final Thoughts
The clash between Chelsea and Liverpool promises drama, with both clubs eager to respond to recent setbacks. Injuries on both sides create opportunities for young and fringe players to shine. For Chelsea, the return of Reece James and Benoît Badiashile offers a timely boost, while Liverpool will be keen to see how Mamardashvili handles his first league start in a high-pressure environment.
Fans can expect an intense contest as the Blues aim to climb back into the top four race and the Reds look to solidify their hold at the summit of the Premier League.
