In what could be another classic European clash, Champions League winners Liverpool face Europa League winners Chelsea in UEFA Super Cup.
The Reds beat Norwich City on the opening day with ease and will be high on confidence going into this game, as they look to their trophy count under Jürgen Klopp.
Chelsea, on the other hand, were taught a harsh lesson on their trip to Old Trafford in the first game of the domestic campaign, and will go into this game as underdogs.
Anything can happen in a game of football, but here are three reasons why Liverpool could cruise past Frank Lampard’s side in the Super Cup:
Chelsea’s lack of quality
The Blues did well to beat Arsenal in the Europa League late last season, but since then, they have lost Gary Cahill, David Luiz, and Eden Hazard, all of who were crucial to their run to the final.
They are also without a settled striker and are stuck with young Tammy Abraham leading the attack. Pedro and Willian will face competition from Christian Pulisic on the wings, but apart from those roles, Chelsea do not have world-class players fighting for positions in the first team.
N’Golo Kante in the midfield, and Kepa Arrizabalaga in goal, are the only other players with quality that have proved themselves and the gulf of class in the teams could be evident in this game.
Liverpool’s chemistry
The Reds made no additions to their first team in the summer transfer window as Klopp is adamant that he has a squad capable of winning trophies this season as well.
The Super Cup is already their second shot at a trophy this season and this time, they will go into the game as firm favourites. The front three of Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane, along with their full-back pairing and Virgil van Dijk at the back, make Liverpool a balanced outfit.
They do have a new face under the bar, due to Alisson Becker’s injury, but that does not make Liverpool any weaker. And winning the biggest prize in club football will only make the Reds that much harder to face.
Chelsea’s inexperience
The most important frailty in Chelsea’s squad is the lack of experience in the first team. Mason Mount and Ross Barkley, both of who have very little exposure at the highest level, are the only options for Chelsea in the attacking midfield role.
Pulisic is yet to start a competitive game in Chelsea colours, while Tammy Abraham, leading the attack for Chelsea, is playing his first season as a striker for the club. The Blues have Kurt Zouma and Andreas Christensen as a pairing for the first time at the back, and they are still young defenders.
Lampard has done well to get them playing exciting football, but the lack of experience all around the field could be the difference between the two sides in this tie.
