Jamie Carragher envisions a revival of the fierce Liverpool-Chelsea rivalry in the Premier League under new managers Arne Slot and Enzo Maresca. Carragher believes both clubs are poised to compete for the title again.
Slot took over at Liverpool this summer, replacing Jurgen Klopp, while Maresca stepped in at Chelsea following Mauricio Pochettino’s departure. Both managers have made encouraging starts, with Liverpool leading the Premier League and Chelsea sitting fourth, having lost just once in seven matches.
Carragher recalls the intense rivalry of the past when Rafael Benitez led Liverpool and Jose Mourinho was at the helm of Chelsea, and he feels that the current managers could reignite that competitive spirit.
“While Manchester City and Arsenal have dominated in recent seasons, I believe Slot and Maresca can bring Liverpool and Chelsea back into the title race,” Carragher wrote for The Independent. “If the intensity returns, it will benefit both clubs and the Premier League as a whole. The rivalry has the potential to challenge Pep Guardiola and Mikel Arteta’s dominance at the top.”
He acknowledges the work both managers still have ahead of them but senses that their upcoming matchups could be the beginning of an exciting new chapter.
Carragher is particularly impressed with Chelsea’s Cole Palmer, believing he could be the key to the club’s return to elite status. “I initially thought it would be too early for Chelsea to break into the top four due to the lack of team spirit,” he explained. “However, Palmer’s impact has shifted my perspective. He’s averaging more goal involvements per game than Chelsea legends Didier Drogba and Diego Costa.”
Liverpool hosts Chelsea at 4:30 PM on Sunday, marking a significant clash early in the season. “Anfield is always a tough venue, especially with Slot aiming to maintain his position at the top,” Carragher added. “The outcome of this match will redefine the successful starts both teams have had.”
