After a late loss at Crystal Palace in their previous Premier League fixture, Arne Slot's Liverpool side return to the capital for a Saturday evening fixture against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, a ground that they lost at the last time they played there.
That match, on May 25 last season, saw the Blues run out rampant 3-1 winners, though in truth it mattered little to Liverpool who had already sewn up the English top-flight title for the 2024/25 season.
Of more interest to supporters of both clubs is likely to be the fact that the Reds remained unbeaten in the 10 head-to-heads prior to that fixture.
Maresca needs a statement performance
Having lost their last two league games to Man Utd and Brighton, it's abundantly clear why Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca will therefore expect a statement performance from his players.
Not since April 2023 have the Blues lost three league games in succession, but they'll need to be on their guard of course. Particularly when you consider that Liverpool's big summer signing, Alexander Isak, has scored on his last two visits to the Bridge.
Chelsea's poor discipline could hurt them
From a disciplinary perspective, they need to be careful too.
Trevoh Chalobah is suspended after being shown a red card against Brighton last weekend, and that follows Robert Sanchez's red at Man Utd.
Joao Pedro was also sent off in Chelsea's midweek Champions League fixture against Benfica.
In fact, since the start of last season, the West Londoners have totted up more cards (114 yellow, four red) than any other team in the English top flight, so that clearly needs to be addressed.
Both teams decimated by injuries
The hosts will also be without injury victims Cole Palmer, Tosin Adarabioyo, Levi Colwill and Liam Delap, whilst both Wesley Fofana and Andrey Santos will face late fitness tests.
Isak is unlikely to be partnered by Hugo Ekitike, with the striker one of a handful of injuries that Slot has to contend with.
The Frenchman will still take a late fitness test along with Federico Chiesa, though the pair remain doubtful at best.
One player who is definitely out is keeper Alisson Becker, after he sustained a thigh injury in the surprising Champions League loss to Galatasaray.
Liverpool need to show their resilience
Despite their injury concerns, one thing this Liverpool team are is resilient. In their first six league games in 2025/26, they scored a 90th-minute winner in three of them, the first time that's ever happened for any team in the Premier League era.
They'll need to show exactly that desire and will to win again or else they face the threat of losing back-to-back top-flight games for the first time since April 2023.
Liverpool's form in the capital particularly will remain of some concern because they've lost their last three games in London - vs Crystal Palace (1-2), vs Chelsea (1-3) and vs Fulham (2-3). You could add in a Community Shield loss on penalties against the Eagles if you so desired too.
They're also winless in their last four league games at Stamford Bridge, suggesting that it's become something of a bogey ground for them to visit.
Chelsea must improve their league form
It isn't just the Reds' form that needs to be scrutinised either, as Chelsea have lost four of their last five home matches against that Premier League season's reigning champions.
They certainly need to improve on their 25/26 record of two wins, two draws and two losses if they want to haul themselves back into the tier of the top few teams.
That means building on an early lead if they're able to score first. There's no guarantee they'll do that mind, give that three times they've gone ahead in a game in 2025 and still ended up losing the match.
Currently eighth, if the Blues were to lose again and results elsewhere go against them, they might finish the weekend outside the top 10, and that could prove hugely embarrassing for the 'world champions.'
Arsenal result could be motivating factor
Given the kick-off time in this one, Liverpool will know before kick-off if nearest pursuers Arsenal have managed to beat West Ham at the Emirates Stadium for the first time in three seasons, and therefore whether the Reds start the game in first or second place in the table.
That could prove to be a hugely motivating factor ahead of kick-off, and one that Slot will surely lean into as necessary if he wants to provoke the right reaction.
What is clear is that this match is sure to be an exciting one thanks to the talent on show from either team, and in a game of potentially fine margins, the side that takes their chances as and when they arrive will emerge victorious.
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