Chelsea handed major boost against Liverpool as new Premier League ruling comes into play
On the weekend, Stamford Bridge breathed a collective sigh of relief as Chelsea defeated Crystal Palace to earn their first win of the year.
Kai Havertz’s header in the second half ensured that the Blues alleviated the pressure on head coach Graham Potter and kept their very remote hopes of finishing in the top four alive. After the match, Potter stated that he was extremely relieved to see his team defeat Palace and end a seven-match losing streak in all competitions.
“I would be lying if I said I wasn’t relieved because it’s nice to get a win,” the Chelsea boss said.
“You have to keep going and you have to deal with the bad times, deal with the tough situations and accept the criticism that comes your way, and take responsibility.
“The players have suffered, of course. It’s not nice. That is why it’s important they enjoy the win today, the three points, and it gives us a shot in the arm for the weekend.”
If Chelsea are to win back-to-back Premier League games for the first time since mid-October, they will require the aforementioned “boost.” The Blues take on a similarly out-of-form Liverpool at Anfield, but the famous stadium has not been a happy hunting ground for Chelsea in recent seasons.
The last time the Blues defeated the Reds at Anfield was in 2021, when Mason Mount scored a magnificent game-winning goal in front of an empty stadium. However, that was Chelsea’s only victory there in the Premier League since 2014.
Both teams have endured significant injury issues this season, which may explain why they are vying for the mid-table positions. Liverpool have six players sidelined, possibly seven if Darwin Nunez is unable to play after missing the Reds’ last two games with a thigh injury, while Chelsea have seven players sidelined and not training, with Joao Felix suspended as well.
However, Potter will not have to worry too much about his other players receiving suspensions unless they receive a straight red card. Sunday afternoon, Chelsea played their 19th game of the season against Palace. According to Premier League regulations, the suspension for receiving five yellow cards expires once the 19th game is played.
However, if a player receives 10 yellow cards by the 32nd game of the season, they will be suspended for two games. If a player is cautioned 15 times during the course of the season, he will be suspended for three games.
Jorginho is currently the Chelsea player with the most yellow cards, having been cautioned four times this season; however, the 31-year-old no longer faces an imminent suspension. After that, eight Chelsea players have received three yellow cards this season: Cesar Azpilicueta, Conor Gallagher, Havertz, Reece James, Kalidou Koulibaly, Mateo Kovacic, Mount, and Raheem Sterling.
Chelsea handed major boost against Liverpool as new Premier League ruling comes into play
