As the start of the English Premier League approaches for the 2016/2017 season, the International Champions Cup will see Chelsea FC and Liverpool FC face each other in a preseason friendly on July 27, 2016 at the Rose Bowl.
New Chelsea coach, Antonio Conte will be using his new-look Chelsea side against a Jürgen Klopp-led Liverpool that has seen a few changes this summer as well. This match-up may give fans a glimpse of the tactical battle that could unfold during the season when both teams meet each other in the league and potentially in any domestic cups.
Conte will look to implement his passionate style immediately
After what would be considered as a lackluster season for Chelsea, many feel that Conte's passion, style and overall tactical knowledge could push Chelsea back to the elite of European soccer. Conte spent three years at Juventus, winning three Serie A titles there while earning a berth in the 2014/2015 UEFA Champions League final. He also lead what many considered as weak version of Italy to the semi-finals of Euro 2016. So the Italian comes in with his reputation at a very high point.
Chelsea have already brought in Michy Batshuayi and N'Golo Kante to strengthen the squad but will not have the services of stalwart and former captain John Terry any more. A few notable young players such as Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Kennedy could also feature quite regularly for the team this season. Conte will also look to Eden Hazard to regain his form after a dismal season by his very high standards. If Chelsea can adapt quickly to Conte's pragmatism, Chelsea will once again be a force to be reckoned with in the upcoming season.
Klopp starts afresh this season
After joining Liverpool in October of last year, Jürgen Klopp will now be able to have a full preseason with Liverpool and bring in the tactics and players he wants. Already known during his Borussia Dortmund days, and now with Liverpool, for his constant high-pressing style, Klopp will try and catch teams out on the transition and exploit the gaps left behind after winning the ball high up the field.
Liverpool have had a few transfers finalized since preseason began. The club has brought in Sadio Mane, Loris Karius, Joel Matip, Georginio Wijnaldum and Ragnar Klavan to not only strengthen their obvious defensive frailties but also inject some pace upfront through Mane and Wijnaldum.
The club has also seen long-time servant Martin Skrtel, Joe Allen, Kolo Toure and Jordon Ibe leave for greener pastures. The new signings will potentially improve Liverpool's goal conversion rate and with the likes of Philippe Coutinho being able to provide passes for their attackers, the Reds have a good chance not only against Chelsea on Wednesday, but in the league as well.
Key points
Expect Conte to set his team up for the counter-attack as he has done with his previous teams, and as Klopp tends to set his teams up to press high up the field, Conte will look to exploit this with the pace of someone such as Hazard or Willian. Chelsea will also welcome back the services of current internationals Gary Cahill, Thibaut Courtois and César Azpilicueta who will strengthen Chelsea's backline immediately upon inclusion.
Klopp on the other hand, will try and breakdown what will undoubtedly be a resolute Chelsea backline by using the creativity found in Coutinho and Roberto Firmino, and the clinical finishing of a healthy Daniel Sturridge. Klopp will also be able to bring on other England internationals Jordan Henderson, James Milner, Nathan Clyne and Adam Lallana as well as Belgian forward Divock Origi who will look to provide goals for Liverpool on Wednesday night.
Prediction
Chelsea FC 2, Liverpool FC 1