Chris Sutton makes 'brave' prediction ahead of Chelsea vs Liverpool showdown
Chelsea and Liverpool will lock horns at Stamford Bridge this weekend in a fascinating Premier League showdown.
It is nearly time for the second international break of the season. However, the Blues are in action first when they host Liverpool on Saturday evening.
For Enzo Maresca’s side, they are desperate for three points after losing their previous two league matches. Incidentally, the last time Chelsea lost three consecutive league games, Frank Lampard was in the manager’s dugout.
As for Arne Slot’s Liverpool, they are the early pacesetters in the Premier League, winning five out of six. It is worth noting that the Merseyside giants have lost their previous two matches across all competitions.
Chris Sutton predicts Chelsea vs Liverpool
BBC pundit Chris Sutton has made the “brave” prediction that Chelsea will secure a narrow home victory against Liverpool this weekend.
Sutton told BBC Sport: “Chelsea’s back-to-back league defeats by Manchester United and Brighton have been a classic case of them shooting themselves in the foot.
“If they had kept 11 men on the pitch in both matches it would have had a huge impact. So, that’s their first aim here and if it’s 11 v 11 then Chelsea can hurt Liverpool, even without Cole Palmer, because the Reds are at sixes and sevens at the back.
“I am tempted to go with a draw but this is a big game and I want to be brave and pick a winner… I am going to stick my neck out and back my old team to make it a hat-trick of defeats for Arne Slot.
“Sutton’s prediction: 2-1.”
In contrast, Jeff Stelling tips Liverpool to beat Chelsea, especially because of the vulnerable defence.
The Blues defence almost picks itself for Saturday because they are without senior centre-halves Wesley Fofana, Levi Colwill, Tosin Adarabioyo and Trevoh Chalobah for a mixture of injury and suspension.
It could be down to a centre-back partnership of Josh Acheampong and Benoit Badiashile to keep out Liverpool’s glamorous attack.
Chelsea’s recent record against Liverpool
Even though Chelsea won the most recent meeting against Liverpool in May, this is not a fixture that they have fared well in during the last few years.
| Date | Result | Competition |
| 4 May 2025 | Chelsea 3-1 Liverpool | Premier League |
| 20 October 2024 | Liverpool 2-1 Chelsea | Premier League |
| 25 February 2024 | Chelsea 0-1 Liverpool | Carabao Cup |
| 31 January 2024 | Liverpool 4-1 Chelsea | Premier League |
| 13 August 2023 | Chelsea 1-1 Liverpool | Premier League |
| 4 April 2023 | Chelsea 0-0 Liverpool | Premier League |
| 21 January 2023 | Liverpool 0-0 Chelsea | Premier League |
| 14 May 2022 | Chelsea 0-0 Liverpool | FA Cup |
| 27 February 2022 | Chelsea 0-0 Liverpool | League Cup |
| 2 January 2022 | Chelsea 2-2 Liverpool | Premier League |
| 28 August 2021 | Liverpool 1-1 Chelsea | Premier League |
As you can see above, the Blues have just one win in their previous 11 attempts against Liverpool. This included some penalty shootout heartaches in cup competitions, too.
If Chelsea don’t massively raise their level this weekend, it could be another tough fixture against Liverpool.
from Chelsea FC Latest News & Club Updates | The Chelsea Chronicle https://ift.tt/yUT2I9L
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