Liverpool v Chelsea

BIG-MATCH FACTS:

Two of the so-called "big four" clash for the first time this season, and something must give. Both clubs have 100% records in the Premier League.Liverpool opened with a 1-2 win at Aston Villa, and then were involved in a Champions League qualifier midweek; beating Toulouse 0-1 in the first leg in France.Chelsea have six points out of six, with a 3-2 home victory over Birmingham, and 1-2 win at Reading.

The former double Premier League champions are on the longest current unbeaten run in this league of 16 matches, and have not lost on their league travels since last season's trip to Anfield.

Liverpool have only won their first two league matches of a season once since the Premier League was reduced to 20 clubs; Aston Villa (a) and Southampton (h) were defeated in August 2002.

The Merseysiders have won their opening HOME fixture in the last three Premier League seasons, and have not lost their initial league game at Anfield since 17 August 2003, when Chelsea won 1-2.

These clubs have met 15 times in three seasons.

KEY PLAYER NOTES:

LIVERPOOL

Steven GERRARD has scored Liverpool's only Premier League goal so far. The only other Reds' player to net is Andriy VORONIN in Champions League qualifying.

Peter CROUCH was Liverpool's leading scorer last season with 18.

Jermaine PENNANT made most appearances for the Reds (51).

If he plays:-

Dirk KUYT will be making his 50th appearance in a Liverpool shirt.

CHELSEA

Chelsea's five goals in the Premier League have been scored by five different players.

If he plays:-

Michael ESSIEN will be making his 100th appearance in a Chelsea shirt.

HEAD TO HEAD

Chelsea lost last season's Premier League visit to Liverpool 2-0, but won their three previous trips to Anfield.

Home and away
League (inc PL): Liverpool 58 wins, Chelsea 44, Draws 26
Prem: Liverpool 11 wins, Chelsea 14, Draws 5

at Liverpool only
League (inc PL): Liverpool 43 wins, Chelsea 8, Draws 13
Prem: Liverpool 10 wins, Chelsea 3, Draws 2

LAST SEASON'S CORRESPONDING GAME

Liverpool 2-0 Chelsea
20 January 2007 - Ref: Rob Styles
Liverpool scorers: Kuyt 4, Pennant 18