For the first time in more than a decade, Liverpool are back amongst the best in Europe and have set up a Champions League final with holders Real Madrid later this month. But Jurgen Klopp’s men are not completely comfortable with their domestic position and are still in need of a few points to qualify for the European competition next season as well.
Just days after their loss at Stadio Olimpico in the semi-final, the Reds travel to Stamford Bridge on Sunday, to take on Antonio Conte’s men who are currently out of the top 4. The Blues have won three back to back games leading to this tie, and have also set up an FA Cup final with Manchester United. But UCL qualification will be as crucial as that silverware and they cannot afford to drop points in this game, in the race to top-4.
Liverpool are six points above Chelsea, who have a game in hand and a loss in this game will mean that Klopp’s men will need a win in the last game of the season, to cement their place in the top-4. A Chelsea loss will all but end their chances but the Reds have drawn three of their last four league games, and Conte will want his men to believe, that they can take all three points from this tie.
Tottenham Hotspur will have a keen interest in this game as well. There is a lot hinging on the result in this game and here is the team news, predicted lineups, predictions and betting odds for this top of the table clash.
Team News
Chelsea
In early team news, David Luiz and Danny Drinkwater are the only players that will miss this game against Liverpool. Marcos Alonso is back from a suspension and Conte will have a fresh squad, having not played a game in the mid-week.
Expected lineup (3-5-2): Courtois; Azpilicueta, Christensen, Rudiger; Moses, Fabregas, Kante, Bakayoko, Alonso; Hazard, Giroud
Liverpool
In early team news, Liverpool are still without the likes of Joel Matip, Alex Oxlade Chamberlain, Joe Gomez and Emre Can, all of who might not play again this season. However, Adam Lallana is back in training and will make the squad for this trip to London.
Expected lineup (4-3-3): Karius; Clyne, Lovren, Van Dijk, Robertson; Henderson, Milner, Wijnaldum; Salah, Firmino, Mane
Odds
Chelsea – 5/4
Draw – 13/5
Liverpool – 23/10
Prediction
Chelsea 2-1 Liverpool
