This archive report was first published on 19 September 2019.
Chelsea's young side is set to face a major test of their progress when they take on Liverpool at Stamford Bridge in the Premier League on Sunday, September 22, 2019.
Chelsea's impressive 5-2 win at Wolverhampton Wanderers last week showcased their potential, with striker Tammy Abraham grabbing a hat-trick and academy products Mason Mount and Fikayo Tomori also scoring.
However, the team has had a mixed start to the season, particularly at home, where they gave up a two-goal lead to draw 2-2 with promoted Sheffield United and lost 1-0 in the Champions League to Spanish club Valencia.
Liverpool, who lead the Premier League with five wins from five, also tasted defeat in Europe with a 2-0 loss to Napoli in Italy.
Chelsea striker Tammy Abraham believes the match will be a test of character, saying, “Sunday is a test of character. We can take our anger out against Liverpool after the European disappointment.”
Abraham added, “It’s a massive game and both teams will be going to win. We’ll look forward to putting (the Valencia loss) right. We are going to have a lot of ups and downs in a season. We’ve got to move on and not dwell on it.”
Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk, who made a rare error for Napoli’s second goal, brushed off the notion that the loss was a wake-up call for the European champions, saying, “It shouldn’t be a wake-up call – we have been performing outstanding since the start of the season and so there is no reason to panic.”
Chelsea and Liverpool have a history of close matches, with Liverpool needing a late equaliser from Daniel Sturridge to take a point at Stamford Bridge last season, and Chelsea winning 1-0 with a goal from Olivier Giroud the previous season.
