Chris Sutton and Mark Lawrenson believe Liverpool will beat Chelsea in the top-of-the-table Premier League clash at Anfield this weekend. The Reds head into Sunday’s game four points ahead of the Londoners and with seven wins from their first eight league games under Arne Slot.
Since succeeding Jurgen Klopp at the end of last season, September’s defeat to Nottingham Forest remains the only blot on the Dutchman’s copybook across all competitions.
With that in mind, Sutton and Lawrenson are backing the Reds to continue their strong start to the season and keep their place at the top of the Premier League on Sunday afternoon.
“This could be a good game, there have been some classics between these two down the years,” said Lawrenson in his Paddy Power column, predicting a 2-1 win for his former side. “This is Arne Slot’s first big test and the same probably goes for Enzo Maresca at Chelsea as well. It will be tough for Chelsea heading to Anfield and that can have a big impact.”
Sutton, too, is predicting the Reds to triumph by the same scoreline, telling BBC Sport: “Everyone is talking now about the tests coming up for Liverpool, who have started the season with what some people are calling gentler fixtures but, after this game, go to Emirates Stadium next weekend.
“This is a tough game for them for starters. There has been a great rivalry between these two clubs in the past couple of decades and I don’t think there will be much love lost when they meet on Sunday, either.
“Can Chelsea go to Anfield and dominate Liverpool? I am not so sure. Alisson’s injury is a blow for the Reds but Caoimhín Kelleher is a very capable back-up in goal.
“At the other end, Arne Slot’s playing style seems to suit Mohamed Salah and I am expecting Liverpool’s attacking options to give them the edge.”
But former Arsenal midfielder Paul Merson thinks both sides will have to settle for a share of the points in a four-goal thriller at Anfield.
“This is a massive football match to see where Liverpool and Chelsea are at the moment. Liverpool have had a nice start under Arne Slot, they’ve done what they’ve needed to do,” said Merson in his SportsKeeda column.
“When you have easier fixtures, you have to win them and Liverpool have done it except the shock defeat to Nottingham Forest.But this is where it gets serious for Liverpool.
“Chelsea have become better since that defeat to Manchester City in the opening weekend. So this is a real test. I expect goals in this game. I worry for Chelsea only because they’re playing at Anfield. When Liverpool close teams down at Anfield, they really suffocate you.
“I think Virgil van Dijk can handle Nicolas Jackson. If Chelsea end up beating Liverpool’s press, they can score. That’s still a big challenge for the Blues though. If Liverpool win, they start looking like genuine contenders.
“If Chelsea go to Liverpool and get a good result, we’ll all go ‘wow, this is good’. Chelsea must prove they are not flat track bullies and start getting results against the big boys.
“Liverpool have two brilliant South American players in Alexis Mac Allister and Luis Diaz. If they don’t both play on Sunday, then it’s advantage Chelsea. But despite their long travel during the international break, they still have an extra day to rest, unlike last month against Forest.
“I don’t think Trent Alexander-Arnold will have his head turned already by Real Madrid interest. He’ll wait a couple of months and then he’s free to discuss with whoever, so he’ll keep it on the back of his mind.
“Liverpool must win the league this season for him to stay. I think it’s the same with Van Dijk and Mohamed Salah too. This game could go either way because Chelsea are playing well. I’m going for a draw since I believe Chelsea can beat the press and cause Liverpool some problems.”
