Liverpool head to Stamford Bridge on Sunday for their first match since being officially crowned Premier League champions. With the title already secured thanks to a commanding 5-1 win over Tottenham Hotspur, the Reds will now look to finish the season strongly against a resurgent Chelsea side.
The Reds made a statement last weekend, overturning an early scare from former player Dominic Solanke to net five unanswered goals. It was a fitting way to clinch the club’s 20th English top-flight title, drawing level with Manchester United’s all-time record. Manager Arne Slot etched his name into Premier League history as only the fifth man to win the league in his first season – and the first Dutchman ever to do so. His side also equaled a scoring milestone that had stood for more than a century.
While Liverpool’s main task for the campaign is complete, there are still personal and collective targets to chase. Eight more points will take them beyond the 90-point mark, and Mohamed Salah is closing in on Didier Drogba’s record for the most Premier League goals by a player over 30 in a single season. Salah currently sits on 28, just one short of Drogba’s mark from 2009-10.
Liverpool are unbeaten in their last 20 Premier League matches played in May. However, their last such defeat came against Chelsea, who will be eager to repeat that feat at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea, meanwhile, are experiencing a strong run of their own. A 4-1 win over Djurgardens in the Europa Conference League semi-final first leg on Thursday followed back-to-back Premier League victories against Fulham and Everton. They now stand on the brink of a European final and have taken control of their own fate in the race for Champions League qualification.
Offensively, Chelsea have been consistent at home, scoring in 24 consecutive matches at Stamford Bridge in all competitions since their August loss to Manchester City. Their last victory over a confirmed Premier League champion came back in 2013 against Manchester United, but a recent uptick in form suggests they could pose a real threat to the champions.
Team news ahead of the clash presents mixed fortunes. Liverpool are close to full strength, with Conor Bradley back in training and potentially available. Joe Gomez remains sidelined with a hamstring injury. Slot has hinted at rotation now that the title is secured, but Salah is unlikely to be rested due to his personal goal target.
Chelsea, on the other hand, have a longer injury list. Goalkeeper Robert Sanchez and forward Christopher Nkunku are both doubts, though Sanchez is more likely to be fit. Wesley Fofana, Omari Kellyman, Marc Guiu, and Aaron Anselmino remain out, while Mykhaylo Mudryk is suspended. Nicolas Jackson, who has found form with goals in consecutive matches, is expected to lead the line again.
Predicted Lineups:
Chelsea: Sanchez; Gusto, Chalobah, Colwill, Cucurella; Caicedo, Fernandez; Madueke, Palmer, Neto; Jackson
Liverpool: Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Quansah, Van Dijk, Tsimikas; Gravenberch, Jones; Salah, Elliott, Gakpo; Diaz
With confidence high in both camps, an entertaining contest is expected. Chelsea’s recent form and home record give them a fighting chance, but Liverpool’s depth and momentum could prove decisive once more.
Prediction: Chelsea 2-2 Liverpool
