Former Liverpool defender Mark Lawrenson is hoping the Reds put in a more polished display when they take on Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Sunday.

The BBC pundit was not impressed by Jurgen Klopp side’s defending in the 4-3 win over Leeds United last weekend, but he doesn’t think it is the start of a trend:

“Chelsea kicked off their campaign with a good win over Brighton while Liverpool’s performance against Leeds was a bit patchier, but with the same result. You wouldn’t call it a mediocre display by the Reds, because their forwards got four goals, but it was the first time for a while that they weren’t joined up from front to back. The defence was all over the place and yet the front three were excellent. It’s nothing to worry about as a one-off, though.”

Lawrenson has gone for a 1-1 draw, which would not be a bad result for Liverpool, considering how much Chelsea have strengthened over the summer. Both teams have not been the greatest defensively recently, and this could be an entertaining game.

There will likely be more than just the two goals that Lawrenson is predicting but much may depend on whether the Reds tighten up at the back, and how quickly their opponents gel together as a team.

Despite winning against Brighton in their first fixture, it was a disjointed performance from Frank Lampard’s side, even though they only fielded two of their new signings.