LAST season was one of contrasting fortunes for these old foes. By Chelsea’s high standards, they underachieved. 

As they welcome the league champions Liverpool on Sunday, there is high expectation among Chelsea supporters that given their club’s lavish spending, this will be the beginning of a fruitful campaign for the west London millionaires.

Liverpool won in this corresponding fixture last season, last September, on their way to sealing their first league title in 30 years. The champions have a relatively good record in this fixture, having lost just the single league match in five seasons at Stamford Bridge.