Prediction: Liverpool vs Chelsea

Verdict: Home win

Best odds: 17/20

Bookmaker: ZetBet

After missing the opportunity to secure Champions League football at Old Trafford, Liverpool have another chance to confirm a top‑five finish when they host Chelsea in Saturday’s early kickoff at Anfield.

The reigning champions saw their winning run snapped in a dramatic 3–2 defeat to Manchester United, while the Blues arrive in crisis after a sixth consecutive Premier League loss, this time at home to Nottingham Forest.

Liverpool

It was a day of high stakes at Old Trafford, where both Manchester United and Liverpool had the chance to take a decisive step toward Champions League qualification. In the end, it was United who emerged victorious, despite briefly appearing to surrender control of the contest.

Arne Slot’s side capitalised on defensive lapses to claw their way back from a two‑goal deficit, but their resurgence proved short‑lived. Kobbie Mainoo’s exquisite strike with 13 minutes remaining sealed a 3–2 win for the hosts and left Liverpool empty‑handed. Slot did not hide his frustration after the match, particularly regarding a controversial Benjamin Šeško handball decision, though Liverpool’s overall display offered little room for argument. Their expected goals tally of 0.89 paled in comparison to United’s 2.34.

The defeat ended a three‑match winning run and has reignited scrutiny of Slot’s tenure, but the broader objective remains firmly in reach. Liverpool sit fourth in the table on 58 points, holding a six‑point cushion over Bournemouth and seven over Brentford. A victory over Chelsea, combined with dropped points from the Cherries at Fulham, would mathematically secure a return to the Champions League.

Anfield continues to offer encouragement. Liverpool have taken 10 points from their last four home league matches, although defensive frailties persist with just one clean sheet in their last seven on home soil.

Team News

Injuries remain a significant challenge. Hugo Ekitike is already out long term, and Alexander Isak missed the trip to Old Trafford with a minor groin issue that leaves him doubtful again. Florian Wirtz and Ibrahima Konaté also missed training earlier in the week, raising uncertainty over their availability, while Alisson Becker and Giorgi Mamardashvili remain sidelined.

Mohamed Salah, Wataru Endo, Giovanni Leoni and Conor Bradley are definitely ruled out, which could force Slot to rely on alternatives such as Joe Gomez and Rio Ngumoha if key players fail to return in time.

Chelsea

Chelsea arrive at Anfield enduring a dismal run of form that has turned them into the Premier League’s most out‑of‑form side. Across the last six matchdays, they have taken zero points from a possible 18, suffering defeats at the hands of Newcastle United, Everton, Manchester City, Manchester United, Brighton & Hove Albion and most recently Nottingham Forest.

Calum McFarlane’s side at least managed to find the back of the net again against Forest, ending a five‑game scoreless streak, but João Pedro’s stoppage‑time effort did little to soften the blow of a 3–1 defeat. Goals from Taiwo Awoniyi and Igor Jesus had already put the visitors out of reach before the late consolation arrived in a largely empty Stamford Bridge.

Now ninth in the table, Chelsea’s hopes of a top‑five finish have been extinguished, as they sit 10 points behind Aston Villa with only three matches remaining. Their attention has instead shifted toward finishing as high as possible and possibly benefitting from favourable scenarios elsewhere in European competition.

However, the current form suggests a team far from ready to compete at that level. Chelsea are now at risk of equalling their worst ever losing run in the league, having previously suffered seven consecutive defeats back in 1952.

Team News

There were also concerning scenes in the Forest match. Teenage forward Jesse Derry was stretchered off following a heavy collision, one of two serious head clashes in the game, as Robert Sánchez and Morgan Gibbs‑White also required attention. With Sánchez potentially unavailable, Filip Jørgensen may be called upon between the posts.

McFarlane will hope for positive news in attack, with Pedro Neto, Alejandro Garnacho and Jamie Gittens all pushing for involvement. However, Estevão Willian remains sidelined with a thigh injury, while Mykhaylo Mudryk continues to serve a doping‑related suspension.

Conclusion

While Liverpool continue to deal with injuries and inconsistency, Chelsea’s form has deteriorated to such an extent that confidence in the visitors is minimal. The Blues have struggled both to defend and to convert chances, and another difficult encounter awaits them at Anfield.

The hosts have shown an ability to find goals even when performances have been imperfect, and they may not need a dominant display to secure the result required. With Champions League qualification within touching distance, Liverpool are backed to edge a tight match and take a decisive step toward returning to Europe’s elite.

Verdict: Home win

Best odds: 17/20

Bookmaker: ZetBet