The Premier League spotlight shines on **Stamford Bridge** this Saturday, October 4, as Chelsea and Liverpool lock horns in one of the standout fixtures of the season. Kick-off is scheduled for **12:30 p.m. ET (5:30 p.m. BST)**, with live coverage on **Sky Sports**.
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#### Form Guide
Both clubs come into this clash with points to prove.
* **Liverpool**, the reigning champions, currently top the table with 15 points. However, their momentum has stalled after a shock league defeat to **Crystal Palace** and a midweek Champions League loss to **Galatasaray**.
* **Chelsea** sit 8th with 8 points, having endured an inconsistent start under **Enzo Maresca**. Defeats to **Manchester United** and **Brighton** hurt their league campaign, but a spirited European win over **Benfica** provided a morale boost, with **Alejandro Garnacho** starring.
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#### Chelsea’s Injury Woes
Maresca faces a major selection headache, with **eight players unavailable**.
* **Out injured**: Cole Palmer (groin), Tosin Adarabioyo, Levi Colwill, Liam Delap, Dário Essugo, Wesley Fofana (concussion protocol), Andrey Santos.
* **Suspended**: Trevoh Chalobah.
The big blow is **Cole Palmer**, who has been ruled out with a groin injury and will miss multiple matches. LiveScore confirmed the setback last week, leaving Chelsea without their most creative outlet.
The good news for Chelsea is the return of **Benoît Badiashile**, who is expected to start in central defense. **Reece James** is also back in contention after featuring off the bench in Europe.
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#### Liverpool’s Key Absences
Arne Slot has his own problems to contend with.
* **Alisson Becker** (hamstring) is sidelined until after the international break.
* **Giovanni Leoni** faces a long recovery following ACL surgery.
* **Hugo Ekitike** remains doubtful, while **Federico Chiesa** faces a late fitness test.
Summer signing **Giorgi Mamardashvili** is set for his **Premier League debut in goal**, with **Alexander Isak** leading the line supported by **Mohamed Salah**.
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#### Predicted 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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#### Storylines to Watch
* **Defensive reshuffles**: Both sides are stretched at the back, with makeshift pairings likely to decide the contest.
* **Goalkeeper test**: Mamardashvili faces a huge challenge in his first league outing.
* **Midfield battles**: Chelsea’s decision to push **Enzo Fernández** further forward could be key to breaking Liverpool’s press.
* **Momentum swing**: With both sides reeling from league setbacks, victory before the international break could prove crucial.
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#### Final Word
Chelsea’s injury crisis — particularly the loss of **Cole Palmer** — leaves them vulnerable heading into one of their toughest fixtures of the season. Liverpool, though missing **Alisson**, will look to bounce back and reaffirm their title credentials.
Expect a fierce battle under the lights at Stamford Bridge, where both sides have everything to prove.
