Arne Slot compares Chelsea's spending to Man Utd as Liverpool prepare for 'biggest challenge' of season so far

Ahead of Liverpool hosting Chelsea at Anfield on Sunday, Reds boss Slot likened the Blues' spending to Manchester United's. The Red Devils and the Stamford Bridge team have the biggest net spend over the past five years in the Premier League and splashed around more than £200 million ($261m) each on transfers this summer. In the run-up to the clash between first and fourth in the Premier League, Slot has prepared his team for a stern test this weekend.

He told reporters: "If you look at the league table, it is [the biggest challenge of the season]. I think Manchester United is a very good team, a top club in England that has spent a lot of money to even make the team better again. Same for Chelsea in this season. Chelsea does really well. If you look at the league table then they are the ones that might be our toughest opponent. But it's not always about the league table. Sometimes it's about the form of the day, it's about their game plan. We had some difficulty with Wolves as well, who are bottom of the league, I think. But it is a challenge, that's for sure."

Slot has made a seamless transition at Anfield since replacing legendary manager Jurgen Klopp in the summer. They sit top of the Premier League and have impressed in the Champions League, but Enzo Maresca's Chelsea have made a strong start to the campaign, too. This encounter will be a true test of their credentials on Sunday.

After Liverpool's clash with Chelsea, the Reds return to Champions League action next Wednesday when they travel to Bundesliga side RB Leipzig. The tests get even tougher as they then take on Arsenal at the Emirates on October 27.