Chelsea vs Liverpool Betting Previews

Premier League champions Liverpool travel to Stamford Bridge on Saturday for a tea-time meeting with Chelsea. Liverpool lost in the Champions League at Galatasaray on Tuesday night, picking up some injury problems, meaning changes are needed for the trip to Chelsea.

Liverpool know the importance of Saturday’s match, given that they have lost their status as Premier League favourites despite having a two-point lead over Arsenal at the top of the table. The fact Arsenal have got some tough fixtures behind them, including an Anfield date, means the Gunners have assumed the role of Premier League favourites. Arsenal are at home to West Ham on Saturday, so will expect to pick up three points.

If they defeat the Irons at the Emirates and the Reds are beaten at Chelsea, Mikel Arteta’s Gunners will take over in pole position. It seems an entirely feasible scenario, particularly with Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson unavailable due to injury. Manchester City, who are unbeaten in their last six matches in all competitions, travel to Brentford on Sunday for the final Premier League fixture of the weekend. Pep Guardiola’s side appear to be getting their belief back after last season’s disappointment.

Tip 1: Chelsea are an attractive wager @ 9/5 to beat Liverpool and close to within four points of the champions.

The Blues have had issues with discipline, suffering a red card in three of their last four games, but their strong squad is able to overcome most problems. With Alisson missing and Liverpool a long way from their brilliant best this season, Chelsea will be sensing a golden opportunity for a famous victory.

Enzo Maresca will have to shuffle his pack, with plenty of players unavailable, but the Londoners possess the strength in depth to cope. This seems a rare opportunity to tackle a Liverpool side which is low on confidence.

Tip 2: Chelsea to win and both teams to score is an alternative option for punters seeking bigger odds. That can be backed @ 7/2.

Enzo Maresca’s biggest concern going into this match will be his defence, with Trevoh Chalobah suspended due to his red card against Brighton. Tosin Adarabioyo is out injured and Wesley Fofana is doubtful, so the home defence could be unusual.

Expect Chelsea to outgun Liverpool in a high-scoring game, with Joao Pedro set to lead the line for the Blues. Alexander Isak should get another chance to justify his huge price tag, having moved from Newcastle to Liverpool.

Tip 3: Facundo Buonanotte looks set to be the most advanced of the Chelsea midfielders on Saturday evening and 14/1 appears a juicy price for him to open the scoring.

The 20-year-old Argentinian has had a month settling at Stamford Bridge after his loan switch from Brighton and he seems ready to start making a serious impact. He scored the winning goal in an EFL Cup tie at Lincoln the week before last and looks set to be a threat on a grander stage in this Saturday’s Premier League blockbuster.