The view from Chelsea: 'We know we're in for a tough one'

Plenty has changed at Stamford Bridge in the 10-and-a-half months since the Reds last visited, when a double from Philippe Coutinho and a late Christian Benteke goal earned a 3-1 victory and Jürgen Klopp's first league win in charge of the club.

Antonio Conte is now the man in the Chelsea hotseat, and the former Juventus and Italy boss has made an impressive start to life in the Premier League, with his side sitting on 10 points from their first four games of the season.

Liverpool head to west London tomorrow high on confidence after their 4-1 defeat of champions Leicester City last Saturday, while Chelsea go into the game having dropped their first points of the campaign in a 2-2 draw at Swansea City.

So, what's the early-season feeling among Blues supporters? Are they happy with Conte? Are they pleased to have David Luiz back? And where should the travelling Kop head before the game?

Over to you, Tom...

You’ve made a strong start under Conte, what are your thoughts on your new manager?

I’m pretty positive. Watching his Italy side knock Spain out of Euro 2016 was the first time I had excitement for the new campaign, because it was difficult to tell where we were heading given last season’s embarrassment. The team look to have regained the organisation and discipline that were often lacking last term, so hopes are high. Of course, I’m trying not to get too carried away just yet. 

Diego Costa has scored four goals in four Premier League games this season. Is he back to his best?

I think that may well be the case, which is great news. He’s bullying the opposition and pretending to get bullied by them, and I think Michy Batshuayi being on the bench and making a strong start himself has forced him to get off to a quick start. I know he’d be absolutely infuriating to see play against my team, but when he’s scoring goals for us I’m happy to let any and all of his misdemeanours slide.

John Terry is out, with David Luiz likely to come in for his second Chelsea debut. Are you happy to have the Brazilian back?

Well, he’s a great character - I suppose that’s what earned him the 'Sideshow Bob' nickname. And like Sideshow Bob, you know he’s likely to take a wrong step, do something like getting slapped in the face by a rake, in his case giving away a penalty or getting sent off. It’s great to see him back at the Bridge, but it was a bit concerning to hear Conte say 'he just needs to improve his defending'. He’s a 29-year-old centre-back who cost a lot of money, so defending should be his forte! 

Games between Liverpool and Chelsea are generally tight and tense. How do you see this one going?

*Looks up synonyms for tight and tense* Those feelings are likely to be similar this time around. Despite the draw with Swansea, I remained pretty confident, but seeing Liverpool pull Leicester apart proved it’s going to be another tough match. I don’t envision there being much in it, to be honest, but we are at home and doing well, so if we could nick a win by one goal I’d be delighted.

Who do you consider to be Liverpool’s key man?

The one person whose absence from the line-up would give me the greatest encouragement is Philippe Coutinho. He’s a magician! He’s a great playmaker and knits everything together in the final third, but he’s more than capable of getting on the scoresheet himself. We can’t focus on him too much, though, because Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane are pretty dangerous. 

Any food and drink tips for Liverpool fans attending the game?

The Sainsbury’s above Fulham Broadway has a wide array of sandwiches on offer! There’s also a Wetherspoons pub in there, though, cheekily, they've stuck the prices up on a matchday.

Finally, your score prediction?

I’d take a 2-1 win. Diego Costa and Eden Hazard with the goals, please.