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This article is part of Football FanCast's The Chalkboard series, which provides a tactical insight into teams, players, managers, potential signings and more...

Chelsea face Liverpool at Stamford Bridge on Sunday in what will be a real test of their top four credentials. Stopping Roberto Firmino will be vital if they want to avoid a defeat.

On the chalkboard

The Blues have won two of their opening five games and sit in sixth position. It has not been a bad start to the season, but there is certainly plenty of room for improvement.

The Reds, meanwhile, have picked up where they left off in the previous campaign. They have won all five of their opening matches, and sit pretty at the top of the table. Already, they are five points clear of their nearest challengers, Manchester City.

Fixtures between the two often throw up classic encounters, especially in the 2000s during the reigns of Rafael Benitez at Anfield and Jose Mourinho in south-west London.

This one has the potential to provide similar excitement. From the perspective of Frank Lampard, minimising the influence of Firmino will be essential.

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Unsung hero

There are almost too many danger men in Jurgen Klopp's team to mention. Andy Robertson and Trent Alexander-Arnold are fantastic full-backs, while Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane are amongst the finest goalscorers in the league - as their share of the Premier League Golden Boot proved last term. Often, Firmino goes under the radar because of that.

Yet he is an integral part of this Liverpool side. So far this campaign, he has averaged a staggering 8.02 WhoScored rating. That makes him, at least per these rankings, the best player in England's top tier.

As a striker, one would generally expect him to score more than he does. Whilst he often hits double figures, his highest total is 15 goals in one league term in England. Usually, for the Reds, he has hovered around the 10-12 mark. However, the 27-year-old does not need to be as prolific in front of goal thanks to Salah and Mane. Instead, he can turn provider, bagging three assists already this year.

The way he allows those two to play off him makes him crucial, as Salah's goal against Newcastle proved last weekend. The dangerous positions he takes up between the defence and midfield makes him a menace, which was particularly evident against Burnley as documented by The Athletic.

It will be of the utmost importance that whoever plays in the midfield for Chelsea cuts off the supply line to the Brazil international, and ensure he's never allowed to turn and run at the back four. Quite frankly, he cannot be allowed to control the game.

That, unfortunately, is easier said than done.