Preview: Chelsea ready to defend unbeaten run against Liverpool

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Philippe Coutinho scored twice for Liverpool after Chelsea went ahead
Philippe Coutinho scored twice for Liverpool in their win at Chelsea last season

Chelsea play their first game on a Friday night since 2013’s Uefa Super Cup when they welcome rivals Liverpool to Stamford Bridge. Recent matches between the two sides have been close, with the Blues keen to avenge their home defeat last October.

Kick-off: 8pm, Friday 16 September 2016
Referee: Martin Atkinson (Leeds)
Five key battles: Including David Luiz v Daniel Sturridge
BetVictor.com preview: Chelsea can punish Reds’ vulnerable defence
Vital statistic: Chelsea are undefeated in 10 of their last 11 matches against Liverpool in all competitions.

Injuries and suspensions
CHELSEA
Ruled out: John Terry (foot), Kurt Zouma (knee), Marco van Ginkel (knee).

LIVERPOOL
Ruled out: Emre Can (ankle), Sheyi Ojo (back), Joe Gomez (calf).

Possible starting line-ups

Chelsea: Courtois; Ivanovic, Cahill, Luiz, Azpilicueta; Kante; Willian, Matic, Oscar, Hazard; Costa.

Liverpool: Mignolet; Clyne, Lovren, Matip, Milner; Lallana, Henderson, Wijnaldum; Mane, Sturridge, Firmino.

 Facts and figures
FORM GUIDE (last five league matches)
Chelsea: D W W W D (11 points) • Home: W W D D L (8 points)
Liverpool: W D L W D (8 points) • Away: D L W D L (5 points)

TOP SCORERS (league only)
Chelsea – 4: Costa; 2: Hazard; 1: Batshuayi, Moses, Willian.
Liverpool – 2: Coutinho, Firmino, Lallana, Mane; 1: Milner.

LAST FIVE MEETINGS
11 May 2016: Liverpool 1 Chelsea 1
31 Oct 2015: Chelsea 1 Liverpool 3
10 May 2015: Chelsea 1 Liverpool 1
27 Jan 2015: Chelsea 1 Liverpool 0
20 Jan 2015: Liverpool 1 Chelsea 1
Chelsea 1 win, Liverpool 1 win, 3 draws

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