Premier League champions, Liverpool will lift the trophy late on Wednesday evening, yet must welcome Chelsea to Anfield first as the Blues chase a top four finish.
Anything other than defeat would see Liverpool record a third consecutive unbeaten season of home games, whereas Chelsea will be assure of at least fourth if they take victory.
Team News
Embed from Getty ImagesJames Milner could return for Liverpool if he passes a late fitness test on a muscle injury that has sidelined the vice-captain in recent weeks.
Chelsea have no fresh injury concerns as N’Golo Kante (hamstring) plus Billy Gilmour and Marco van Ginkel (both knee) remain absent.
Stat Attack
- Liverpool are unbeaten in four of their last five meetings against Chelsea in all competitions (W3, D1, L1).
- Chelsea are unbeaten in eight of last nine trips to Anfield across all competitions, excluding penalty shootouts (W3, D5, L1).
- Four of Chelsea’s last five goals against Liverpool have come from midfielders, with exception of striker – Oliver Giroud who scored the Blues’ opener in eventual UEFA Super Cup defeat on penalties.
- Liverpool are yet to score a penalty against Chelsea in the Premier League after 55 previous meetings.
- James Milner and Fabinho have both picked up second-half yellow cards in their last two Liverpool appearances against Chelsea, of which both came away at Stamford Bridge this season in league and FA Cup respectively.
Prediction
After two disappointing performances since losing captain – Jordan Henderson to injury, Liverpool probably could do with a win to help energise themselves up for next season ahead of lifting the trophy post match.
Chelsea however will be a tough nut to crack because they were just simply ruthless on Sunday against Manchester United, and I can see Frank Lampard sticking with same formation because Liverpool do seem vulnerable in midfield without Henderson.
Do that then it is difficult to see how Liverpool will cope with Chelsea’s energy and goal threat, especially now that their chance at various records are now sadly gone which looks to have demotivated some players but Anfield will still be a tough place for Chelsea to win at.
Prediction: Liverpool 1-1 Chelsea
Result: Liverpool 5-3 Chelsea