Chelsea take on reigning Premier League champions Liverpool this weekend with Arne Slot’s side faltering over recent seasons having suffered back-to-back defeats to Crystal Palace and Galatasaray
Marc Cucurella believes Chelsea have an “opportunity” to extend Liverpool’s woes this weekend. The Blues welcome Arne Slot’s side to Stamford Bridge on Saturday evening.
The Reds arrive in West London in a vulnerable state, having lost their last two games. Liverpool slipped to a late defeat at Crystal Palace last weekend, ahead of being downed by Turkish side Galatasaray in the Champions League. And Cucurella believes this weekend’s meeting represents a great chance for Chelsea to secure what would be a headline victory.
Asked if his side were confident heading into that game, the Spanish defender said: “Yeah, I think so.
“Liverpool is a big team but I think we play at home. We have a good opportunity.
"We had a tough result last game and I think we have a good opportunity to win three points before the international break.”
While Liverpool slumped to defeat to Galatasaray on Tuesday, Chelsea managed to secure victory with a 1-0 win vs Portuguese side Benfica.
And while they are back to winning ways, the Blues still need to get themselves back on track in the Premier League.
Enzo Maresca’s side have lost each of their last two league games against Manchester United and Brighton.
The Italian coach has suggested that he is keen for his side to progress in the Champions League, but has urged his players to turn their attention to this weekend’s game.
“First of all, the target is to continue the next stage, but if we are able to finish top eight, that is very good for us. Now we have six more games.
“We will see if we are able to recover also players, that for us is so important. But now the focus is more for Saturday's game. Then we have the international break that we are waiting because we can have players back.
“You see tonight Benoit Badiashile, he was very good. So if we are able to recover players, that's what we need.”
Chelsea have a whole host of injury issues heading into this weekend’s game. Long-term absentees Levi Colwill, Liam Delap and Dario Essugo are all out.
Cole Palmer, Tosin Adarabioyo and Wesley Fofana are all doubts. Meanwhile, defender Trevoh Chalobah is also set to be sidelined following his red card against Brighton last time out.