*Match preview and betting tips provided by SVB Tips
What’s at Stake for the Blues?
Chelsea are locked in a tight battle for a Champions League spot, while Liverpool have already secured their historic 20th league title. The reverse fixture at Anfield ended 2-1 in favor of the Reds.
Despite a turbulent season, Chelsea remain in contention for the top four. With just four games left, they sit fifth with 60 points, tied with Nottingham Forest and Aston Villa. While Forest appear to be fading, Villa are in exceptional form, putting pressure on Chelsea to stay consistent.
Their latest win came at home against Everton, with Nicolas Jackson netting the decisive goal in the first half. Remarkably, goalkeeper Robert Sánchez kept a clean sheet — only his eighth of the season.
Head coach Enzo Maresca arrived with ambitions of winning the title — a trophy Chelsea haven’t lifted since 2017. He's relied heavily on youth, never fielding a player older than 27 across 34 league matches — a first in Premier League history. Only backup goalkeeper Marcus Bettinelli (32) breaks that pattern.
Top scorers Christopher Nkunku and Cole Palmer have each netted 14 goals in all competitions. However, Nkunku has been absent from the last three matches due to internal conflicts with Maresca. Midfielder Enzo Fernandez has also impressed, having created 73 chances — the fourth-most in the league.
Chelsea are also on track for a deep run in the UEFA Conference League, coming off a dominant 4-1 away win over Djurgarden, and are favourites to reach the final.
Injury-wise, Wesley Fofana and Marc Guiu remain sidelined, while Mykhailo Mudryk is suspended.
Celebrating Champions in Form
Liverpool celebrated their title triumph last week at Anfield with a 5-1 demolition of Tottenham, coming back from 0-1 down. That win marked their 20th league title, bringing them level with bitter rivals Manchester United.
Arne Slot has seamlessly taken the reins from Jurgen Klopp, becoming the first Dutch manager to win the Premier League. With the current momentum, repeating the feat next season seems realistic.
Liverpool boast the league’s most potent attack with 80 goals, most of them scored away from home. They've lost just once on the road — at Craven Cottage a month ago.
Mohamed Salah leads the Golden Boot race with 28 goals and 18 assists, holding a six-goal cushion over Alexander Isak.
May is traditionally a strong month for the Reds, who are unbeaten in their last 20 league matches played in this month. Their last May defeat? At Stamford Bridge in 2018. Joe Gomez is their only absentee for this fixture.
Head-to-Head
This will be the 66th Premier League meeting between the two. Liverpool lead the all-time record with 25 wins to Chelsea’s 21, while 19 matches ended in draws.
Recent Head-to-Head Matches:
- Oct 20, 2024: Liverpool 2-1 Chelsea (Premier League)
- Feb 25, 2024: Chelsea 0-1 Liverpool (League Cup)
- Jan 31, 2024: Liverpool 4-1 Chelsea (Premier League)
- Aug 13, 2023: Chelsea 1-1 Liverpool (Premier League)
- May 4, 2023: Chelsea 0-0 Liverpool (Premier League)
Top Betting Suggestions:
- Both Teams to Score – Yes: Chelsea have attacking talent but defensive inconsistencies, while Liverpool have scored in 33 of 34 games.
- Over 2.5 Goals: 4 of the last 5 meetings have produced at least 3 goals, and Liverpool average 2.35 goals/game.
- Mohamed Salah – Anytime Goalscorer: With 28 goals and Chelsea’s defensive lapses, Salah remains a strong pick.
- Chelsea to Score First Half – No: Chelsea have struggled to start strong, and Liverpool often dominate early possession and pressure.
- Draw or Liverpool – Double Chance: Given recent form and history, Liverpool look likelier to avoid defeat.