Chelsea Set to Honour Champions Liverpool Ahead of Stamford Bridge Clash | OneFootball

Chelsea vs Liverpool: Premier League Preview

Date: Sunday, 4th May 2025

Venue: Stamford Bridge

Kick-off: 16:30 BST

Liverpool head to Stamford Bridge with the Premier League title already secured, and they’ll be welcomed by a guard of honour from Chelsea to mark their 20th English League crown. While the Reds’ work is largely done for the season, Arne Slot will be keen to maintain momentum and professionalism with three fixtures still to play and a potential points record beyond 90 within reach.

For Chelsea, this is about pride and positioning for their manager, Enzo Maresca, who is under some degree of pressure. It has been another underwhelming season at Stamford Bridge, with inconsistency plaguing the manager’s side. While a European Champions League place remains feasible, the Blues must navigate a difficult run-in, starting with the visit of the newly crowned champions. The atmosphere may be respectful at kick-off, but Chelsea will be desperate to make a statement and avoid playing second fiddle on their patch.

Chelsea Availability

Wesley Fofana remains out following surgery, while Omari Kellyman, Marc Guiu Paz, Christopher Nkunku, and Mykhailo Mudryk are all out. Malo Gusto and Robert Sanchez face late fitness tests.

Concerning the recent form, a home 1-0 win against Everton following a 1-2 win away to West London rivals, Fulham. Progression into the semi-finals of the Europa Conference League was secured after a 4-2 aggregate win over Legia Warszawa. After 34 games played in the Premier League, a 5th-place position is tentatively held on 60 points. Nottingham Forest and Aston Villa are close behind and will be looking to overtake if Chelsea slip up.

Predicted Chelsea Lineup (4-2-3-1):

GK: Robert Sánchez

RB: Reece James

RCB: Trevoh Chalobah

LCB: Levi Colwill

LB: Marc Cucurella

CM: Enzo Fernández

CM: Moisés Caicedo

RW: Noni Madueke

AM: Cole Palmer

LW: Pedro Neto

CF: Nicolas Jackson

Liverpool Availability

Despite having already secured the title, Arne Slot may choose not to rotate in the hope of preserving rhythm within his key players.

Before the 5-1 win at home to Tottenham, a 0-1 win at Leicester was secured within a period where pressure was evident. A 2-1 win at Anfield was secured against visiting West Ham that sees the Reds on a three-game winning streak. After 34 games played, a magnificent 82 points have been secured and their final position at the top of the table confirmed.

Predicted Liverpool Lineup (4-2-3-1):

GK: Alisson Becker

RB: Trent Alexander Arnold

RCB: Ibrahima Konaté

LCB: Virgil van Dijk (c)

LB: Andy Robertson

CM: Alexis Mac Allister

ACM: Dominik Szoboszlai

CM: Ryan Gravenberch

RW: Mohamed Salah

CF: Luis Díaz

LW: Cody Gakpo

How Will This Contest Play Out?

The early guard of honour will set a surreal tone at Stamford Bridge, but once the pleasantries are out of the way, Chelsea will be desperate to impose themselves with a top-five finish desperately sought after. Cole Palmer and Nicolas Jackson have been bright in flashes, but this Liverpool side is both structured and free-flowing, with depth that Chelsea have yet to match despite their spending.

I would expect the Reds to dominate possession and patiently pick their moments against a team unsure of their capabilities. Slot’s side have been disciplined in games of little consequence all year and are unlikely to drop their standards now.

Chelsea’s tendency to play themselves into trouble against organised pressing sides could again prove costly, particularly with Liverpool’s transitional threat from midfield and the wings.

Player to Watch: Alexis Mac Allister

The Argentine has been the heartbeat of Liverpool’s title-winning midfield and will relish the chance to control the tempo against a chaotic Chelsea core. His press-resistance and eye for a pass or goal could unlock the Blue’s resolve.

Steven Smith’s Score Prediction:

Chelsea 1 – 2 Liverpool