Chelsea and Liverpool lock horns in the Premier League this Sunday, with Stamford Bridge playing host to two of England’s biggest teams.
With Liverpool winning the Premier League title and all three relegation spots already settled, the focus is now on the race for Europe, where Chelsea figure.
The Blues are currently on 60 points and fifth in the Premier League table, which would be enough for a Champions League spot this season.
However, Nottingham Forest and Aston Villa are snapping at Chelsea’s heels, the Reds also on 60 points and the Villans currently on 57 points.
Paul Merson has now predicted the fixture’s final score as he sent a warning to Liverpool in wake of their title win.
Paul Merson backs Chelsea to beat Liverpool
Merson believes “there is no better time for Chelsea to face Liverpool” now the Reds have already got their hands on the title.
The pundit speculated that Liverpool “would have been partying” which, combined with Chelsea still having so much to play for, gives the Blues a “good chance of winning it”.
With that in mind, Merson backed Chelsea to run out 2-1 winners over Liverpool.
“I always speak about timings in football,” Merson wrote on Sportskeeda. “And there is no better time for Chelsea to face Liverpool!
“Three weeks ago, this would have been a tough game, but now Chelsea have a good chance of winning it.
“I say that because Liverpool just won the league and they would have been partying!
“I’m not saying Liverpool players won’t be professional enough. But even if you step off the gas by five per cent in this league, you will get punished.
“Let’s not forget this is a must-win game for Chelsea and they will be hungry for the three points. If Chelsea want to qualify for Champions League next season, they must beat Liverpool.”
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Chelsea v Liverpool team news
Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sanchez should be back in the fold after missing Thursday’s Europa Conference League win over Djurgarden with a knock.
In addition, Blues forward Christopher Nkunku faces a fitness test, but Enzo Maresca has reported no fresh injury concerns after their midweek victory in Europe.
As for Liverpool, right-back Conor Bradley has returned to training and is expected to be involved.
Arne Slot has confirmed he plans to rotate his squad, with the likes of Curtis Jones, Harvey Elliott and Diogo Jota vying to start.
