5 reasons why Klopp could get his first Premier League win against Chelsea

Jurgen Klopp takes his Liverpool side to Stamford Bridge fresh from achieving his first win as a Liverpool manager - in the Capital One Cup - and looking to do the same in the Premier League. One of the marquee clashes of the season, irrespective of the teams' position in the table, the rivalry between these two sides is quite intense and gathers an edge with Jose Mourinho on the Chelsea bench.Be it Luis Garcia ghost goal, tactical nullification witnessed during the Benitez - Mourinho days or Chelsea parking the bus in 2014 and bringing to a grinding halt the Reds' march to the Premier League title, this game always produces its fair share of controversies and unforgettable moments.This time with Klopp taking over the reins at Liverpool, it promises to be another fascinating contest. Of course, no discussion about Chelsea these days is complete without asking the seemingly obvious question: How long before Mourinho gets the sack?The champions' horrendous start to the season and the subsequent failure of the Portuguese manager to effect an upswing in the team's results has led to intense speculation about whether the days of the most successful manager in the club's history are numbered. A win at home against an arch-rival would give Mourinho some breathing space as he seeks to get his team back on track; a defeat, would take him closer to the brink.All in all, it promises to be a fascinating contest. Here, we look at 5 reasons why Liverpool may take all 3 points at Stamford Bridge this Saturday.

#1 Chelsea\'s creaky defence

The best defence of the league last season, Chelsea have struggled at the back this season. Whether it’s a consequence of overplaying the same starting XI every week or tiredness or a drop in hunger, over the course of last 3 months the Chelsea defence has lost its sense of security and assurance. In fact, it seems to be cracking at the seams. Only Norwich, Bournemouth and Newcastle United have conceded more goals than the Blues (19 goals from 10 games - on par with Sunderland).

Although their record at home is slightly better(7 goals conceded from 5 games), teams like Crystal Palace and Southampton have come to Stamford Bridge and taken Chelsea apart. Last season, they kept a total of 17 clean sheets. This season, so far, they have had only 2 shut-outs.

John Terry does not seem to be the rock of last season, Ivanovic has struggled all season against pacy wingers and even the ever versatile Cesar Azpilicueta looks short of confidence. Of course, it does not help that the midfield too seems to be in disarray. Matic has looked a shadow of his former self and there is a sense of indiscipline that has pervaded the side. With 20 yellow cards and 3 red cards, they are one of the most ill-disciplined sides in the league.

All this should give hope to Liverpool that they could exploit the obvious chinks in Chelsea's defence.

#2 Liverpool\'s forward line starting to click

Liverpool have scored a paltry 9 goals in the Premier League and the bluntness in attack proved to be Rodgers' undoing. Things have not changed drastically since Klopp has taken over with 3 goals from 4 games although there's been a general rise in the intensity with which Liverpool are attacking. Christian Benteke's beautifully headed goal against Southampton at the weekend was a small illustration of that.

In the absence of Sturridge, Benteke has led the line well for Liverpool whenever he has been asked to do so. He is Liverpool's top scorer with 3 goals in the Premier League and he could prove a handful for Terry and Cahill - both aerially and in terms of pace.

Roberto Firmino too produced an impressive performance in the Capital One Cup win against Bournemouth providing a boost to Klopp ahead of this clash. The Brazilian's Liverpool career has been underwhelming so far but with a manager capable of getting the maximum out of young players now guiding him, he may yet find his bearings and replicate last season’s form at Hoffenheim with Liverpool.

And what better way to start than against Chelsea.

#3 Chelsea\'s attacking blues

A year ago, they were taking apart every defence in the league with precision and incision that placed them alongside some of the best sides in the Premier League era. Now, though, they struggle to create chances and the general build up play is slow and tardy.

Too many players are off-form. Diego Costa has kept the aggression but lost the goals. Eden Hazard seems exhausted and Cesc Fabregas has looked lost since the latter part of last season. Only Willian seems to be playing with any sort of confidence.

They have scored 15 goals in 10 games so far, but the underlying numbers tell a different story. Only 7 of those 15 goals have been scored from open play hinting at a lack of creativity in the team. 5 goals have been scored from set pieces and can largely be attributed to Willian's brilliance.

They have also been the beneficiaries of 3 own goals. Although they are creating almost the same number of chances as last season (11.4 this season vis-a-vis 12.3 last season) their conversion rate has dropped from 13% to 8%.

This can not only be attributed to poor finishing but also to the quality of chances being created. While there are larger issues about Chelsea's pre-season planning etc., there's been a massive drop-off in the quality of attacking display by the champions.

Liverpool's defence can definitely keep them at bay.

#4 Liverpool\'s full-back threat

One of the bright spots for Liverpool this season has been the performance of Alberto Moreno at left back. Having struggled to make the first team last season, Moreno has shown a marked improvement in both defensive and offensive duties this season. Always eager to bomb forward and overlap with the left sided winger, he has created 17 chances this season.

Even Phillippe Coutinho has created only 9 chances. Developing a good understanding with Emre Can, Moreno has provided a valuable outlet on the left-hand side- stretching the play whenever required.

He has featured in every game since Klopp took over and was Liverpool's best player against Rubin Kazan in the Europa League. With Chelsea struggling defensively, Moreno may find some joy on the left wing.

On the other flank, Nathaniel Clyne has quickly established himself as one of the first names on the team sheet. He has played every single minute of Liverpool's Premier League campaign this season and was rewarded with his first goal in the League Cup win against Bournemouth. Defensively sound and positionally aware, Clyne is one of England's best young players and has the ability to nullify Eden Hazard's threat.

Additionally, he can also take advantage of Hazard's lack of inclination to defend and combine with James Milner to create goal scoring opportunities for the likes of Benteke.

#5 Klopp\'s record against Mourinho

Although we are talking about a small sample size here, whenever Klopp's Borussia Dortmund side went head-to-head against Mourinho's Real Madrid side, the German has come out on top. A bit of context is required here: the Dortmund side we are referring to was probably at the peak of its form under Klopp.

Pressing relentlessly and swarming teams on the counter attack, they were one of Europe's best sides. And, it was a team that was truly in tune with Klopp's philosophy. This Liverpool are miles behind that Dortmund team.

Yet, you can expect Klopp to adopt the same style as he did against Mourinho's Real Madrid. Of the 4 encounters between Mourinho and Klopp, Klopp has come out on top in 2, with Mourinho winning one. It is also pertinent to remember that these games were Champions League semifinals. Klopp has proven his mettle against Mourinho on the biggest stage.

There is one more fundamental difference in this "Special One" vs "Normal One" clash. Under the current circumstances, there are no prizes for guessing about which team would be willing to give more for their manager.

Klopp is new at the helm of affairs at Anfield and there's been a visible increase in work-rate (the usual caveat that there's more to a team than just work-rate) among Liverpool players. On the other hand, in the face of intense media speculation about Mourinho's sacking, would the Chelsea players be willing to give it all to a manager whose future is in the air?