BETTING GUIDE: Liverpool vs Chelsea, match preview, team news and prediction
Reading Time: 3min | Fri. 08.05.26. | 13:04
Despite losing to their arch-rivals at Old Trafford last weekend, Arne Slot’s side could guarantee their spot in the UEFA Champions League next season with a victory here
Matchday 36 in the English Premier League kicks off with a battle for European qualification on Saturday afternoon, when Liverpool play host to Chelsea at Anfield.
Despite losing to their arch-rivals at Old Trafford last weekend, Arne Slot’s side could guarantee their spot in the UEFA Champions League next season with a victory here.
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The Merseysiders are currently six points above Bournemouth in sixth place with just three games left to play in the top flight this term.
Chelsea, on the other hand, slipped three points behind the top seven teams on Monday night after a dismal showing against Nottingham Forest. The West Londoners could still secure European football by winning the FA Cup, but that is certainly not a given when considering their recent downward spiral
Liverpool enter the contest after a frustrating 3-2 defeat away to Manchester United which ended their three-match winning run in the league.
Across their last six matches in all competitions they recorded three wins and three defeats while scoring nine goals and conceding nine.
Despite defensive inconsistency, the Reds have scored at least twice in four consecutive league matches and remain unbeaten in their previous four Premier League home games, collecting 10 points from the last 12 available at Anfield.
Slot continues to deal with several important injury concerns. Mohamed Salah, Wataru Endo and Conor Bradley are ruled out, while Alexander Isak, Florian Wirtz and Ibrahima Konate face late fitness checks.
Goalkeeper Alisson Becker also remains doubtful. Cody Gakpo is expected to lead the attack after scoring against Manchester United, while Dominik Szoboszlai and Ryan Gravenberch should provide support in midfield.
Liverpool’s attacking depth remains dangerous even without several regular starters.
Chelsea’s form has collapsed dramatically in recent weeks. The Blues have lost six consecutive Premier League matches and were beaten 3-1 at home by Nottingham Forest in their latest outing.
During their last six games in all competitions they managed only two victories while scoring nine goals and conceding 10.
Defensive problems away from home continue to hurt them badly, with Chelsea conceding 13 goals across their last four away matches in all competitions while failing to keep an away clean sheet since December.
Calum McFarlane’s side still possess dangerous attacking players capable of troubling Liverpool’s vulnerable defence. Joao Pedro has been directly involved in seven of Chelsea’s last nine league goals and scored against Nottingham Forest after returning from injury.
Pedro Neto and Alejandro Garnacho remain doubts, while Mykhaylo Mudryk and Estevao are unavailable.
Goalkeeper Robert Sanchez also faces a fitness concern following a collision in the previous game, meaning Filip Jorgensen could start between the posts.
Recent meetings between the clubs have generally produced entertainment and goals. Four of the last six encounters finished with over 2.5 goals, while both teams scored in five of those matches.
Key Pointers;
- Joao Pedro has scored six goals in his last eight league games
- Joao Pedro is averaging 2.45 shots per 90 this season
- Joao Pedro has is averaging 1.01 shots on target per 90 this season
- Liverpool are averaging 1.24 xGA per 90 this season
- Liverpool are conceding 3.97 shots on target per game this season
Chelsea’s defensive instability should give Liverpool numerous opportunities at Anfield, but the visitors still carry enough attacking quality through Joao Pedro and Cole Palmer to threaten a Reds side that has struggled to keep clean sheets consistently in recent weeks.
Prediction; Joao Pedro over 1.5 shots on target
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