Jason Cundy believes that managers are already changing the way they set their teams up against Chelsea due to their respect for Maurizio Sarri, but he does not expect Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp to follow suit.
Sarri has Chelsea flying in the Premier League, having won all four of their games, and behind league leaders Liverpool only on goal difference.
The Blues beat Bournemouth 2-0 at Stamford Bridge on Saturday and Cundy says Eddie Howe changed how the Cherries usually play to combat Sarri's side.
He thinks Rafael Benitez changed his approach when Newcastle took on Chelsea, but Klopp, Cundy expects, will be a different kettle of fish.
"I just wonder whether, going into games, managers are giving Chelsea and in particular Sarri, a huge amount of respect", Cundy said on Chelsea TV.
"The way Eddie Howe set his side up is different to what they normally do.
"I've not seen Benitez do what he did against us.
"I just wonder whether we've actually got a bit of fear factor here, whether teams are coming in approaching a game different to what they usually do.
"I know Cardiff are going to come and try to do something different. West Ham, I don't know what they're going to do.
"But I know Liverpool won't.
"Klopp will respect, but he will not [change]."
Liverpool have been drawn to face Chelsea at Anfield in the EFL Cup on Tuesday 25th September, but it is the Reds' visit to Stamford Bridge in the league on Saturday 29th September that Cundy is most relishing.
"I can't wait for the league game here because it is going to be fascinating.
"You know Sarri isn't going to change and Klopp isn't going to change.
"It will be like two heavyweight boxers slugging it out and who can get that killer blow", the former Chelsea defender added.
