Liverpool vs Chelsea: 5 key battles to watch out for | Premier League 2021-22

#3 Mohamed Salah (Liverpool) vs Antonio Rudiger (Chelsea)

Mohamed Salah (right) in action against 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.

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#2 Diogo Jota (Liverpool) vs Cesar Azpilicueta (Chelsea)

Diogo Jota in action

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.

Diogo Jota can join elite Liverpool club and send message to Romelu Lukaku.@BassTunedToRed explains ⚽ #lfc https://t.co/s2LAeV4PKC

— Liverpool FC News (@LivEchoLFC) August 27, 2021

With the Blues captain leading by example, Jota he will have to be at his best to breach Chelsea's three-man defensive structure.

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#1 Romelu Lukaku (Chelsea) vs Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool)

Romelu Lukaku (right) tussles against Virgil van Dijk

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.

NEW: Thomas Tuchel expects Romelu Lukaku “stress test” against Virgil van Dijk https://t.co/D0del0LAfZ

— This Is Anfield (@thisisanfield) August 27, 2021

It will be quite fascinating to see who comes out on top in this exhilarating clash on Saturday.