
Chelsea welcome the newly crowned champions Liverpool to Stamford Bridge on Sunday afternoon hoping they can join Arne Slot's side in the Champions League next season. Can Enzo Maresca's men take advantage of Nottingham Forest slipping up on Thursday evening?
After two Premier League wins in a row, Chelsea are back in 5th place after 34 rounds - and next season's Champions League qualification is back in their hands. If they collect more points than Nottingham Forest between now and the end of the season, it is mission accomplished for Maresca's side.
However, that is easier said than done looking at their remaining fixtures. Newcastle, Man United and ironically Nottingham Forest all await - and perhaps their best chance to put out a statement is against Liverpool on Sunday.
Fresh from picking up the title, Chelsea will be hoping Liverpool will take their foot of the gas more than usual - and a win will be required if they are to stay in the top five.
Liverpool blew away Spurs 5-1 as they secured the title, and having collected 82 points - 15 more than Arsenal to date - it has been a season to remember for Arne Slot. With no other competitions to challenge for, Slot's job between now and the end of the season is to finish on as many points as they possibly can.
Oh how Chelsea would have preferred their attention to turn elsewhere - and although Liverpool players were celebrating long into the night, Slot will have his men back into training and focused on this fixture. Having won four of their last five, it will be a surprise if Liverpool don't turn up fighting for the win on Sunday.
Surprisingly, Chelsea haven't beaten Liverpool since 2021 across all competitions. Since that match, they have faced off 10 times, where Liverpool have won twice but on eight occasions this match has finished in a draw after 90 minutes. Liverpool did win the reverse fixture this season 2-1, thanks to goals from Mo Salah and Curtis Jones.
But Chelsea have struggled to break Liverpool down in recent years - and that has to change if they are to secure Champions League football next season. More worryingly for Chelsea fans, you have to go back to 2018 the last time the Blues beat the Reds at home in the Premier League.
With Chelsea's poor record against Liverpool evident to see, and with Liverpool arriving in superb form, Slot's side may just sign off the season in style - starting at Stamford Bridge
Although Chelsea have the 5th best home record in the Premier League, Liverpool have the best away form. It's not surprising, given that they have just lifted the trophy. But aside from their 3-2 slip up against Fulham recently, Slot's side have been pretty much perfect on their travels.
Admittedly, the hosts are in need of three points more than Liverpool - but that doesn't mean the newly crowned champions will hand them the victory - Slot has been quick to state in his recent press conferences he will make sure his team don't slip up in the final four matches.
And as mentioned, Chelsea's record against Liverpool has been incredibly poor for a while now. Add in their midweek trip to Sweden, as well as demanding schedule as they look to salvage their season, there's a lot of pressure on Chelsea and Maresca to deliver.
Liverpool arrive in the capital with less of a point to prove, but perhaps their relaxed mood will help them to play their usual football, while Chelsea may be more rigid due to the pressure they are under. Liverpool don't often lose - especially against Chelsea - and their price looks to be completely wrong from where I'm sat.
With that in mind, you can back Liverpool Draw No Bet at 5/4 with bet365 - a price you don't often get. Good luck if you're following.
Users must be 18+. If you are having trouble with gambling then help and advice can be found at begambleaware.org. Please Play Responsibly.
Trading financial products carries a high risk to your capital, especially trading leverage products such as CFDs. CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. Between 74-89% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.