In the world of soccer, the Liverpool-Chelsea rivalry has undoubtedly been one of the major attractions in recent years, not least because the two teams have always ended their encounters on a peaceful note in recent seasons.
Firstly, we have to face up to the news that Gopp has announced that he will be bidding farewell to the Reds at the end of the season, a move that certainly casts a shadow over Liverpool's future. His achievements in the team are indisputable, and I'm sorry to see him go as he's about to retire as a legend, not only as a coach with a strong personality, but also as an outstanding leader.
However, I think Gopp's departure has made Liverpool more unpredictable in the current season as all the players will be fighting with more enthusiasm and determination. Since their defeat away to Tottenham earlier in the season, they have gone 14 league matches without a loss, a remarkable run of form.
What's even more amazing is that they are undefeated in 17 home matches, only Arsenal and Manchester United can compete with them. The Anfield Stadium is like an impenetrable fortress, and it will certainly be a tough challenge for Chelsea.
Despite the absence of Mohamed Sana's injury, Liverpool do not seem to be affected too much as there are many players who can share the responsibility and make the team more threatening. Liverpool scored a total of 14 goals in the 4 matches that Sana was out, with Diago Zuda, Gap, Darwin Nunes, Luis Diaz and Gudis José all contributing at least 2 goals.
Chelsea, on the other hand, are not as good as they should be. Despite their strength, their offense has never been very efficient, losing only 2 of their last 10 matches, but in the EFL Cup match against Villa, they once again exposed their inefficiency in front of goal and missed a lot of points and chances to advance.
The return of Chivier is crucial for the Blues as he provides the necessary balance at the back which is vital to Chelsea's style of play. While we have yet to see a player like Levi Govier or Assoudisas who can provide stacked assists in the same way as Staanen or Medhi Levi, with Malgousto and Chivier on the pitch, I believe Chelsea will be showing the sideline stacking tactic more often in the upcoming games.
