Liverpool have hit form at the right time ahead of a season-defining month with a first trophy possible under Jurgen Klopp, midfielder James Milner said.
Manchester City have the attack options to cope with the absence of Sergio Aguero, manager Manuel Pellegrini said, admitting he is impossible to replace.
Manager Juergen Klopp was all smiles after his much-changed Liverpool side secured the first win of his tenure by defeating Bournemouth in the League Cup.
Southampton manager Ronald Koeman has heaped praise on midfielder Gaston Ramirez's professionalism and hinted he might hand the 24-year-old his first start for the Saints in more than 18 months in Wednesday's League Cup clash against Aston Villa.
Liverpool striker Christian Benteke has been ruled out of the Cup game against Bournemouth with a knee injury and is a doubt for Saturday's clash at Chelsea.
Stoke City stood toe-to-toe with Chelsea, manager Mark Hughes said while praising his players after they knocked out the League Cup holders on penalties.
Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho struck a defiant note after his team crashed out of the League Cup, insisting he did not need reassurances over his future.
Arsene Wenger said he was forced to field a strong Arsenal team in the 3-0 defeat to Sheffield Wednesday due to the growing strength of the Championship.
