Chelsea and Liverpool both disappointed last season. But they ended their seasons in much different fashions. Chelsea was humiliated in the last stretch with one win in their L 11 while Liverpool found their footing and were undefeated in their final 11. The Reds paid for not rejuvenating their midfield in the first half of last season but have made amends this year with the departures of Henderson and Fabinho and the addition of World Cup champion Mac Allister and Szoboszlai. There were goals galore at both ends of the pitch for the Reds in preseason so expect a dynamic side that will power past the goalless draws the last 4 times these squads met.

Newcomers Fofana and Nkunku are out for Chelsea but new manager Pochettino had the Blues winning in preseason.

But Liverpool has too much firepower and too much recent success for Chelsea to turn things around for this one. The Reds also have Klopp who will sort out how to make use of his new additions quickly. The Blues should be better but won’t be able to pull off the challenge before them in their opener. Take the Reds in this one.