Chelsea vs Liverpool – Match preview and team news | OneFootball

Champions League-chasing Chelsea welcome Premier League champions Liverpool to Stamford Bridge this afternoon.

In his pre-match press conference, manager Enzo Maresca announced the club’s plan to follow tradition and give the league winners a guard of honour.

The Blues hold a three-goal lead heading into the home leg of their Europa Conference League semi-final tie with Djurgarden. With a commanding advantage, Maresca can field a strong side in West London this afternoon.

Cole Palmer, Moises Caicedo and Nicolas Jackson were all introduced as substitutes on Thursday night, with the latter netting a clinical brace off the bench.

Filip Jorgensen may continue in between the sticks with first-choice goalkeeper Robert Sanchez’s availability in doubt. The Spanish stopper will be assessed alongside Christopher Nkunku, who also didn’t travel to Sweden in midweek.

Liverpool were confirmed as title winners in style last weekend by emphatically beating Tottenham 5-1 at Anfield. Arne Slot intends to offer opportunities to some of the players who have had to patiently wait on the peripheries of the team this term.

Italian winger Federico Chiesa is one individual who is expected to benefit from the rotation. He needs to make one more appearance to receive a medal. Conor Bradley has been involved in training and should be able to feature in some capacity in the capital.

Chelsea vs Liverpool – Match preview and team news

Form

Chelsea: DLWWW

Chelsea remain on course to lift the Europa Conference League following their 4-1 win away to Djurgarden in the semi-final.

Jadon Sancho and Noni Madueke gave the Blues control before Nicolas Jackson came off the bench to score a brace.

Isak Mulugeta grabbed a consolation but Enzo Maresca’s side are firm favourites to reach the final in Poland.

Chelsea’s attention turns back to the Premier League with their quest for Champions League qualification in its decisive stages.

As it stands, the West Londoners reside in fifth position, a spot that will grant them a place in Europe’s elite competition next season.

However, Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest are level on points with the Blues, who have a tough end to the season. They still have to travel to Newcastle and Forest, while hosting Manchester United and Liverpool.

Liverpool: WLWWW

Liverpool have the luxury of playing their last four league games as Premier League champions.

The Reds tore Tottenham apart last weekend to win 5-1 on Merseyside. Mohamed Salah is the overwhelming favourite to win the Golden Boot after he recorded his 28th league goal from the spot last Sunday. That demolition was their fourth triumph out of their last five matches.

In his first season in English football, Arne Slot has comfortably guided his side to glory. Liverpool have the opportunity to extend their lead at the summit to 18 points, a vast cushion between them and the remainder of the top-flight.

Last Meeting: Liverpool 2-1 Chelsea, Premier League, 20th October 2024

Liverpool asserted themselves over Chelsea to reclaim top spot in the Premier League table.

Anfield erupted in protestation in the opening stages as Tosin Adarabioyo bundled over Diogo Jota, who was threatening to burst clear on goal. The referee brandished a yellow card in the defender’s direction, much to the dismay of the home faithful, who felt the punishment should have been more severe.

John Brooks then had another decision to make just before the half-hour mark and this time the Liverpool fans agreed. Levi Colwill clumsily tripped Curtis Jones inside the box and a penalty was given. Mohamed Salah stepped up to take the spot-kick and converted against his former club in customary fashion.

In a rare foray forward, Nicolas Jackson struck the woodwork from an acute angle. Despite the near miss, the effort was never in danger of beating Caoimhin Kelleher at his near post.

Arne Slot’s side were awarded another penalty before half-time after Robert Sanchez clattered into Jones. However, following a VAR consultation, the decision was overturned as the goalkeeper had made contact with the ball.

Chelsea commenced the second period with a renewed sense of impetus and restored parity almost instantly. Jackson’s smart finish was initially disallowed for offside, but another intervention from the technology indicated that the striker had timed his run to perfection. From out of nowhere, the visitors were level.

The scores remained level for less than three minutes as the instrumental Jones restored the lead. Salah’s deep cross was met by the onrushing Scouser, who took the ball in his stride and poked home at the Kop End.

The Reds’ resistance couldn’t be breached again by Chelsea and they returned home empty-handed.

Predicted Lineups

Chelsea: Sanchez; James, Chalobah, Colwill, Cucurella; Caicedo, Fernandez, Palmer; Madueke, Neto, Jackson.

Liverpool: Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Tsimikas; Mac Allister, Jones, Elliott; Salah, Diaz, Nunez.

Who is the referee?

Simon Hooper will be the match official. Adrian Holmes and Simon Long will assist him while Tony Harrington will be the fourth official. The VAR will be John Brooks and he will be assisted by Matthew Wilkes.

What TV channel is Chelsea vs Liverpool on?

Chelsea vs Liverpool will be available to watch on Sky Sports Main Event, Sky Go UK and NOW UK.

What time is kick-off?

Kick-off at Stamford Bridge will be at 16:30 BST on Sunday 4th May 2025.

Chelsea vs Liverpool Betting Odds

Chelsea: 6/5

Draw: 27/10

Liverpool: 2/1

Read – Harrydinho, Natasha Bedingfield at Burnley, referee Jamie Vardy

See more – Seven of the greatest moments in the Chelsea-Liverpool rivalry

Follow The Football Faithful on Social Media:

Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube | TikTok