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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... 

If Liverpool are to maintain their 100% record against Chelsea then Jurgen Klopp must come up with a plan to handle N'Golo Kante.

On the chalkboard

The midfield dynamo has had an injury-hit start to the season so far and as a result he has made only three appearances for the Blues, but he has shown that he is as important to the side as ever.

Alongside Jorginho, who has made improvements to his game this season - particularly off the ball with an average of three tackles per game - Kante has helped to control the midfield for Chelsea.

It is no surprise, therefore, that Frank Lampard's side have averaged 54% possession this season, and such dominance of the ball could take away from the threat Liverpool possess.

Ordinarily, they would be able to break on an attacking team like Chelsea, but Kante covers so much ground and reads the game so well, and he was a thorn in Liverpool's side when the two teams met in the Super Cup.

Reducing his influence

Kante performed brilliantly in that match. As well as proving typically dependable off the ball with two interceptions and two tackles, as per SofaScore, he was equally effective off it.

That means Klopp will have to keep a close eye on him, and instruct his players to perform differently as a result.

Jordan Henderson and Georginio Wijnaldum will be important and the energy they possess will counter that of Kante's, but it will be up to Roberto Firmino to sit on the Frenchman and disrupt his influence in the Chelsea midfield.

The 28-year-old has built up a reputation for being a ball-winner, but in the Super Cup he made nine successful dribbles and four key passes, so Firmino must work to prevent his effectiveness in all areas of the pitch.

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The Brazilian is capable of doing that, particularly if Liverpool look to operate a high press. This season he has averaged 3.8 recoveries in the opposition half per game, which makes him suitable to track the likes of Kante and Jorginho.

Firmino will also be crucial in an attacking sense. Kante will look to break up play and reduce the influence of the front three, but if Liverpool's number nine can find Mo Salah and Sadio Mane like he did against Newcastle, then the reds should have joy against a defence which has conceded 11 goals in five league games.