Liverpool, having addressed fan concerns by withdrawing planned ticket price increases for the next three seasons, can now direct their focus entirely on another pressing matter: salvaging what has been a disappointing season through Champions League qualification. Manager Arne Slot’s team is on the cusp of securing a top-five finish, a feat they can achieve by defeating Chelsea and if Bournemouth falters in their match against Fulham.
Slot could not have asked for a more opportune opponent to potentially seal this objective than a struggling Chelsea side, even with Liverpool’s own injury concerns in their attacking ranks. The visitors appear to be a squad driven by individualistic egos who only perform when they choose to, with their recent performances in the FA Cup final suggesting a lack of consistent application in the league.
Chelsea have only experienced a seven-game losing streak in the league once before in their history, from November to December 1952. They now risk equaling that undesirable record with a loss at Anfield. Their recent away form has been dire, with two consecutive defeats by three-goal margins and conceding at least three goals in four of their last five league outings. It would come as no surprise if they are mentally saving themselves for the FA Cup final.
Key Fixtures & Times (all BST):
- Liverpool v Chelsea, Saturday 12:30pm
- Brighton v Wolves, Saturday 3pm
- Fulham v Bournemouth, Saturday 3pm
- Sunderland v Manchester United, Saturday 3pm