Chelsea hosts newly-crowned Premier League champions Liverpool at Stamford Bridge today, with both sides entering the clash in strong form but with very different motivations. Chelsea, currently fifth in the table, are fighting to secure a Champions League spot for next season, while Liverpool have already wrapped up the title and are focused on finishing the campaign with as many points as possible.
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Chelsea are unbeaten in their last five Premier League games and have won four in a row across all competitions, including a 1-0 win over Everton and a 4-1 victory at Djurgårdens in the UEFA Conference League semi-final. Their recent run has solidified their position in the top five, but with challenging away fixtures ahead, every point at home is crucial for Enzo Maresca’s side.
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Liverpool clinched the title last weekend with a 5-1 demolition of Tottenham and have won three straight league games. Arne Slot’s side are aiming to finish the season on a high, but with the title secured, Slot has hinted at rotating his squad and giving opportunities to fringe players over the final weeks.
Team News & Predicted Lineups
Chelsea
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Out: Wesley Fofana, Mykhailo Mudryk (suspended), Marc Guiu, Omari Kellyman
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Doubt: Robert Sanchez missed the midweek trip to Sweden but is expected to return in goal
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Likely XI (4-2-3-1): Sanchez; Gusto, Chalobah, Colwill, Cucurella; Caicedo, Fernandez; Madueke, Palmer, Sancho; Jackson
Liverpool
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Out: Joe Gomez (hamstring)
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Likely XI (4-2-3-1): Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Gravenberch, Mac Allister; Salah, Szoboszlai, Gakpo; Jota
Arne Slot is expected to rotate, but stars like Salah and Mac Allister should still feature, with Jota leading the line and Darwin Nunez and Luis Diaz available from the bench.
Key Stats
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Liverpool have scored at least two goals in 24 of their last 27 Premier League matches.
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Chelsea have drawn their last six home matches against Liverpool in all competitions, with each ending level at both half-time and full-time.
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Liverpool have lost two of their last three visits to London, but won 2-0 at Brentford in between.
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Chelsea have lost just one of their last eight games in all competitions.
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Cole Palmer is Chelsea’s top scorer this season with 14 league goals; Mohamed Salah leads Liverpool with 28.
Player to Watch: Cole Palmer
Palmer has been Chelsea’s standout attacker, and with Liverpool’s defense occasionally vulnerable, he could be the difference-maker for the Blues as they push for Champions League qualification.
Chelsea vs Liverpool Prediction
With Liverpool already crowned champions and expected to rotate, while Chelsea are desperate for points, this has the makings of a tight, tactical contest. Both teams have solid defensive records, and recent head-to-heads at Stamford Bridge have ended in draws.
Chelsea 1-1 Liverpool
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