Chelsea manager Antonio Conte faced the press yesterday ahead of tonight's crunch clash with Liverpool at Stamford Bridge.
Jurgen Klopp's side arrive at Anfield looking to continue their good form having beaten the champions Leicester City 4-1 last weekend, with the Blues hoping to get back to winning ways after Swansea City dented their 100% start to the season with a 2-2 draw at the Liberty Stadium.
That result left Chelsea two points adrift of Manchester City at the top of the early Premier League standings and his task against Klopp's side will not be made any easier by John Terry's absence with an ankle injury.
The captain sustained the injury late on in Wales last weekend and has been ruled out for 10 days by Conte, who confirmed that David Luiz will take the skipper's place against Jurgen Klopp's side.
Stick with us throughout the day for all the very latest Chelsea news ahead of tonight's game.
Key Events
That's all for today!
Thanks for following again today folks.
We will have full reaction from Stamford Bridge tonight, so stick around with GWL until later.
Have a great evening and weekend!
Of course Lawro has predicted a Chelsea defeat!
The BBC Sport pundit gave his prediction on today’s game earlier - here was his response...
“I was really surprised that Chelsea lost control of the game in their 2-2 draw at Swansea on Sunday.
“It was only down to a mad couple of minutes but, the way they were when they were in front, there is no way the Blues should have found themselves 2-1 down.
“Other than their blip at Burnley, Liverpool have been better than the other three teams they have played - and we are talking about Arsenal, Tottenham and Leicester there.
“So I really fancy the Reds to win this one. They have a real momentum about them and I think playing an away match against an attacking team will suit Jurgen Klopp’s side.”
Quartet of Blues youngsters in England U17 squad
Chelsea youngsters Marc Guehi, Jonathan Panzo, Callum Hudson-Odoi and George McEachran have all received call-ups for the England U17s.
The Young Lions will take part in the Croatia Cup ahead of next month’s Euro qualifiers and face opposition from the host nation, Greece and Germany in the tournament, scheduled for late September and early October.
Azpilicueta discusses tonight's game
Cesar Azpilicueta has been speaking to the club’s official website.
And he’s determined to make Stamford Bridge a fortress once more ahead of tonight’s game.
He said...
“Last season every team who came to Stamford Bridge were thinking they could get the points.
“This cannot happen because it’s our home and we have to be strong enough to get the points.
“We have shown we can do that in our games so far and with the intensity we have played with.
“The fans are amazing too and we have to give them what they want, we have to fight for every ball and try to play good football, and then in the end, most importantly, get the result.
“Chelsea v Liverpool on a Friday night, it’s an exciting fixture and we want to make sure we start the weekend in a good way.”
Phil Neville commentating on Chelsea tonight
The BBC Radio Five Live commentator can’t see it being goalless at the Bridge.
Chelsea receive hilarious pre-match message
Chelsea have just received one of the more bizarre pre-match good luck messages!
Luiz's message for Chelsea fans ahead of the game
He’s ignoring the haters.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BKaxYoUh5un/?taken-by=davidluiz_4
Tube driver strike could delay Chelsea fans
Fans making their way to Stamford Bridge for tonight’s game have been warned they may face a tricky journey as the London Underground driver strike continues.
The 24-hour strike over worker conditions started at 9.30pm yesterday and will likely affect Blues fans travelling to the match as the Hammersmith and City Line and Circle Line drivers walk out.
Make sure you give yourself plenty of time to get there tonight, Blues.
David Luiz up to some mischief at Cobham
Nab place in the starting XI? Check.
Catch the player you’ve replaced sleeping and upload it to your Instagram story? Check!
Arsenal set to lose key midfielder for Chelsea game
Looking ahead to next weekend, admittedly, but this could be a huge blow for Arsenal.
Bonucci confirms he snubbed a move to the Premier League
The Juventus defender was linked with a move to Stamford Bridge this summer.
But Antonio Conte’s former defender refused to entertain the idea of leaving Juventus.
And he’s opened up on why a move never materialised in an interview with Mediaset Premium.
“If I said that I wasn’t tempted this summer by an offer from England, above all for the coach that wanted me, then that would be a lie.
“But Juventus is my home and I am happy to have remained. My dream was to win with this shirt and now I am here, ready to improve as a player and challenge myself to make this team become a legend.”
Ray Wilkins slams David Luiz
Ray Wilkins was speaking on the Alan Brazil show this morning and said...
“This Liverpool side has tremendous movement in forward areas and David Luiz does go wandering a touch, so it is going to be an extremely interesting game if he is going to play.
“I don’t think he is a Chelsea player at centre-half.
“He is a very good footballer but he is not a centre-half and, if he does play, Chelsea are going to have a few problems.”
Willian's message ahead of the game
N’Golo and Willian have both been vocal on social today - you’d imagie both are set to start.
Liverpool fans are WRONG about Luiz
Firmino’s words echo those of the Liverpool fanbase, who have been confident about their chances with Luiz in instead of John Terry.
But the stats paint a different story, with Luiz coming out on top in several key areas against the likes of Firmino, Sadio Mane and Philippe Coutinho.
Firmino: I can't wait to face Luiz
Roberto Firmino is sounding confident.
He has claimed he is ‘looking forward’ to facing his friend tonight - and was surprised to see him return to the Premier League.
He told the Daily Mail:
“He’s my amigo.
“I don’t get the chance to see him in person a lot but I speak to him on WhatsApp whenever I can.
“I was a little bit surprised when he came back to England but he is a great player. I’ve not spoken to him this week but I’m looking forward to playing against him.”
WATCH: Baba Rahman scores for Schalke
Not the greatest quality video in the world, granted.
But it’s a decent enough move and finish from the Chelsea loanee!
Conte: This is why I am so enthusiastic
Conte’s interview with Thierry Henry - which will be shown in full tonight - is brilliant.
Here, he discusses his enthusiasm on the touchline...
“When I became a manager, my enthusiasm became more because when you have the possibility to waste your energy and show your passion during the game, it is good.
“But when it is impossible to waste your energy and stay on the bench and watch the game tensely, it is very difficult,
“But for me, it is normal to show that passion and sometimes it happens when we score a goal at the end and you win a fantastic game, like against Spain, I show my passion, but I am myself.”
Rahman and Traore score in the Europa League!
A great move and finish from the lad, too.
And Bertrand Traore was on target too!
Paul Merson predicts the Chelsea game
Sky Sports pundit Paul Merson is predicting an open game tonight, particularly in John Terry’s absence.
He said...
“This is a hard game for Chelsea because no John Terry makes a big difference for the hosts, especially as it means David Luiz comes in.
“You don’t know what Liverpool will turn up. Will it be the hot one at home to Leicester, or the one that went to Burnley and got beaten.
“I expect it to be an entertaining match either way. Chelsea are playing quite open and scoring goals, and Liverpool the same.”
The odds on Costa to open the scoring tonight are tasty
He will fancy his chances against that Liverpool defence, no matter what Matip has to say...
A former Liverpool player names his Chelsea-Liverpool XI
Phil Thompson was asked to pick his combined XI for Sky Sports News HQ.
And it’s got seven Blues in it!
Fabregas links with AC Milan not going away
The Sun are reporting that AC Milan are in discussions with Chelsea about a possible loan move for Cesc Fabregas in January.
But any move hinges on the completion of a takeover from a Chinese consortium, which has not gone through yet and may not happen until as late as December.
A £2.5m loan fee is being discussed between the Rossoneri and Chelsea.
