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Liverpool take on Chelsea at Anfield in the third gameweek of the 2021-22 Premier League on Saturday. Both teams have had perfect starts to their campaigns, winning their first two games.
Thomas Tuchel, into his first full season with the Blues, will be itching to lay his hands on the Premier League following his heroics in the UEFA Champions League. Meanwhile, Jurgen Klopp will look to target another title run, as most of his star players have returned from injuries.
However, both the managers will have to come up with their A-games if their teams are to take anything away from this marquee clash.
This game would provide an early test of both sides' title credentials, and could also define their title challenge. On that note, here's a look at the five key battles in this game to watch out for:
#5 Reece James (Chelsea) vs Sadio Mane (Liverpool)
Sadio Mane, after enduring a difficult season, has started the new campaign with a bang. The Senegalese international was on the score sheet in Liverpool's 2-0 win over Burnley. But his real strength of character will be tested against the Blues this weekend.
Mane will come up against Reece James on the left flank, a player who is oozing class in each appearance he has made for Chelsea this season. The 21-year-old had a fabulous game against Arsenal, scoring one and setting up another in Chelsea's 2-0 win over the Gunners.
It will be quite interesting to see how he juggles between his offensive and defensive duties against Liverpool. James, along with Cesar Azpilicueta, will have a big job on their hands, as Mane is one of the most lethal players in the game up front.
#4 Jorginho (Chelsea) vs Jordan Henderson (Liverpool)
Jorginho was named the UEFA Men's Player of the Year following a dream season for both Chelsea and Italy in 2020-21.
Riding on his recent exploits, the Italy international will look to replicate his exemplary performances against Liverpool as well. Thomas Tuchel will rely heavily on Jorginho to break through Jurgen Klopp's gegen press with his quick passing and efficient ball control.
Jorginho will lock horns with Jordan Henderson in the centre of the park. With James Milner out of the Chelsea game, Jorginho, alongside Mateo Kovacic, will try to impose themselves on the game.
If Thiago Alcantara does not start for Liverpool, Henderson will have to bear the bulk of the responsibility in the centre. He will have to sit deep and allow Naby Keita and Harvey Elliot to move higher up the pitch.
#3 Mohamed Salah (Liverpool) vs Antonio Rudiger (Chelsea)
Mohamed Salah will be one of the key players for Liverpool against Chelsea down the right flank. The trio of Salah, Mane and Diogo Jota are in red hot form, scoring four of Liverpool's five goals in the Premier League thus far this season.
Antonio Rudiger will be tasked with the job of stopping Salah on the right, in a key duel between the two former AS Roma players. The German international proved his critics wrong with his impeccable performances last season, and has established himself as an undisputed starter under Tuchel.
The 28-year-old, though, will have to put up another strong performance against Mohamed Salah, as any slip-up could be punished by the Egyptian.
#2 Diogo Jota (Liverpool) vs Cesar Azpilicueta (Chelsea)
Diogo Jota has slowly and steadily displaced Roberto Firmino from Liverpool's starting eleven. The Portuguese striker has slotted in perfectly between Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane.
Jurgen Klopp started Jota against Burnley as well as Norwich City, and the 24-year-old striker did not disappoint. He scored in each game to prove to his gaffer that he can start more often and deliver the goods up front.
If Jota impresses against Chelsea, Firmino will find it tough to break into the Liverpool XI. But it won't be an easy task for Jota, as he will be up against Cesar Azpilicueta.
With the Blues captain leading by example, Jota he will have to be at his best to breach Chelsea's three-man defensive structure.
#1 Romelu Lukaku (Chelsea) vs Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool)
Romelu Lukaku's biggest test since returning to the Premier League will come against Liverpool, where he will be up against Virgil van Dijk. The former Inter Milan star was impressive against Arsenal, as he scored on his second debut for the Blues.
Liverpool have not conceded a single goal in two games they have played so far. With Van Dijk's return, the Reds look more composed and disciplined at the back than they did last season. The Dutchman's return from a long injury layoff has boosted the morale of the entire squad.
Thomas Tuchel admitted in his pre-match presser that Lukaku's main stress test would come against the Dutch international.
It will be quite fascinating to see who comes out on top in this exhilarating clash on Saturday.
