Liverpoolfc.tv catch up with Mark Beyeler from the independent Chelsea website to ask him for his thoughts on this weekend's season opener at Anfield
Throughout this season we'll be gauging the views of our opponents by speaking to a representative from our opponents' website - official or unofficial - before each game.
Today we speak with Mark Beyeler from www.cfcnet.co.uk and ask him to give his views on Liverpool as well as this weekend's Anfield clash.
Liverpoolfc.tv: How do you feel about playing Liverpool on the first day of the season?
Mark Beyeler: It's not the best way to start a new season but at least it gets a difficult fixture for us out of the way. Also, with your midfield largely depleted for this game, I don't think there will ever be a better time to play you.
Are you confident of victory?
Not really but for the reasons above I'm more confident this season than most.
What's the mood like at Chelsea amongst the fans after a slightly busy summer?
The fans are incredibly excited about the new season and generally very optimistic about our chances of mounting a serious title challenge this year. We can't wait for it all to begin!
Which of the summer signings excites you the most?
There are so many to choose from but I'd have to say Damien Duff has the potential and ability to excite the most, taking players on and getting in some great crosses. In his brief appearances during pre-season he has shown flashes of what he can do and I think he will be an excellent signing for us.
Which player do you think could do the most damage to Liverpool on the day and why?
I would consider Liverpool's defence on the flanks to be a weak spot so Duff and Jesper Gronkjaer, if he plays, should cause plenty of problems. Jesper has unbelievable pace and creates problems for nearly all defenders in the Premiership and Duff's trickery on the left should create a few openings too.
How highly do you rate the present Liverpool team?
Liverpool do have some very good players in Owen, Kewell and Hyypia, but also some quite average ones such as Carragher, Diao, Heskey and Baros, so I would expect Liverpool to challenge the top and then trail off after the New Year. I would expect Liverpool to finish in fourth place behind Arsenal, Man United and us.
Which Liverpool player do most fans at Chelsea fear?
Harry Kewell is always going to be a threat but Owen can be dangerous too.
If you could sign three of the present LFC team, who would you sign?
Gerrard, Owen and Kirkland as back-up keeper to Cudicini.
What is your opinion of the Liverpool supporters?
Liverpool supporters seem to be a reasonable bunch but I think tend to hark on past glories a little too much.
What is your best memory of watching a game at Anfield?
I've never been to Anfield but Casiraghi's goal a few seasons back was great to see, Babb's ensuing collision with the post less so.
Predict the score
Liverpool 1-2 Chelsea
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