Key Absences Cloud Chelsea-Liverpool Clash

Chelsea host Liverpool at Stamford Bridge on Saturday, Oct. 4, in a tense Premier League clash with both managers under pressure. Liverpool will be missing goalkeeper Alisson, while Chelsea face a raft of absences — Cole Palmer, Liam Delap, Levi Colwill, Dário Essugo, Wesley Fofana and Tosin Adarabioyo — and Trevoh Chalobah is suspended. Liverpool top the table but have shown uneven form after recent defeats, whereas Chelsea are without a league win in three matches despite a midweek victory over Benfica and strong underlying xG numbers that suggest they have underperformed. The fixture has heavy betting interest, with bookmakers such as William Hill and Betfred promoting bet-and-get offers and bet-builder markets that emphasise draws and specific player events. Chelsea beat Liverpool 3-1 at Stamford Bridge last season and have been strong at home in recent meetings, making momentum and morale potentially decisive.