Event of the Day: Chelsea versus Liverpool
Our event of the day is the Premier League clash between Chelsea and Liverpool, at Stamford Bridge. These two giants of English football met just three days previously in the League Cup at Anfield. Today’s hosts emerged victorious on that occasion, winning 2-1 courtesy of an Eden Hazard wonder-goal. Wednesday’s defeat is the only negative in what has been a flawless season so far for Liverpool. A dramatic Champions League victory over French heavyweights PSG along with six wins out of six in the Premier League means Jürgen Klopp’s men are flying. Their front three are as frightening as ever, with the dynamic trio of Mohamed Salah, Sadio Manéand Roberto Firmino already recording eleven goals between them this season. Salah actually made his Premier League debut for today’s opponents Chelsea. However, he was sold before he could make his 20th appearance for the Blues.
Last year’s PFA Player of the Year has certainly made Chelsea question that decision with his form since. At his best, he can be impossible to stop, and can help drive Liverpool to their best start to a season in over two decades. Salah will have his work cut out today, as he comes up against a defence that has already kept four clean sheets this campaign. New Chelsea boss Maurizio Sarri was thrust into the Blues hot-seat relatively close to the start of the season. However, the Italian has hardly put a foot wrong so far. Chelsea sit third in the league, unbeaten so far and just two points behind today’s table topping counterparts Liverpool. The sublime Eden Hazard has been influential, demonstrating he is among the world’s best on multiple occasions. Wednesday’s solo effort was an incredible showing of skill, balance and creativity. Liverpool rested their normal back four for the League Cup defeat, but even their first-choice back line will have a job to contain Hazard if he is in the same irresistible form. Expect a thrilling encounter as two title contenders go head to head.
Honourable mentions around the globe go to the AFL Grand Final between West Coast Eagles and Collingwood at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. A six-figure crowd is expected for one of the biggest occasions in Australian sport. Collingwood impressively beat favourites Richmond in the preliminary finals, whilst West Coast convincingly dismantled Melbourne to book their place in the Grand Final. Another illustrious global sporting event comes from France, where the second day of the Ryder Cup gets underway. The much-fancied USA are looking for their first win on European soil in 25-years, but currently trail 5-3. Two MLB giants play the second game of their three-match series at Fenway Park, where the Boston Red Sox welcome the New York Yankees. Elsewhere in the States, the Portland Timbers face FC Dallas in the MLS. Further football action comes from La Liga, with a tasty Madrid derby, as arch rivals Real take on Atlético at the Bernabeu. In Serie A, Juventus host Napoli, whilst in theBundesliga, Borussia Dortmund travel to Bayern Leverkusen. Elsewhere in Germany, Manuel Charr faces Fres Oquendo in Cologne for the WBA World Heavyweight World Title. Rugby union can be found in London, where Saracens welcome Bath in the Rugby Premiership, whilst in the Rugby Championship, South Africa take on Australia. Tennis is on display in China on both the WTA and ATP World Tour with the Wuhan, Chengdu and Shenzhen Opens all taking place. Qualifying for the Formula One Russian Grand Prix gets underway in Sochi, with the season finale drawing ever closer.
Whatever you’re watching, enjoy!
Photos by Premier League