It was celebration time for Liverpool on Wednesday night as, despite losing to Roma, they clinched their place in the Champions League final with a scintillating 7-6 aggregate victory over the Italians.
But the Reds could still do with another League win to seal their place in next season’s competition – which they will need to do via the League just in case they don’t win the final against Real Madrid.
Chelsea face an uphill battle in their quest to reach the top four and will probably need to win their final three games, starting with Liverpool at Stamford Bridge on Sunday at 4.30pm.
The Blues have picked up some form of late, winning their last three on the bounce, while Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool have dropped points against West Brom and Stoke, when they had bigger Champions League fish to try.
Team News
Marcos Alonso will return from suspension for Chelsea, but Danny Drinkwater (calf) and Ethan Ampadu (ankle) will miss out.
The game also looks to come too soon for David Luiz (knee).
For Liverpool, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain has been ruled out for the rest of the season and the World Cup, sadly for England.
Adam Lallana (thigh) and Emre Can (back) are both expected to miss the game, as will Joel Matip (thigh), who won’t play again this season.
But Joe Gomez looks set to be in contention to return.
Betting Focus
While Liverpool should have their Fab Three, Mo Salah, Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino to call upon at Stamford Bridge, they may not be at their best after putting so much effort into their defeat to Roma in midweek.
For that reason, and with Chelsea’s recent form, I fancy the Blues to get the job done at odds-against.
Olivier Giroud has had a bit of Chelsea joy of late with a couple of crucial goals, including the opener in the FA Cup semi-final against Southampton – which I tipped up at 9/2 – and I like the look of him at 11/2 FGS on Sunday.
Player of the Year Salah is rightly favourite at around 7/2 to strike first, but I’m hoping he’ll be a bit tired after the Reds’ European exploits and Giroud can get in there before him.
Wherever Liverpool go there tends to be goals so I’m going to have a punt on a 9/1 longshot for the Blues to win 2-1.
Granted, it’s a bit risky putting all three eggs in the same Chelsea basket, but they’ve had plenty of time to prepare for this one and should be far more fired up.
Chelsea v Liverpool Betting Tips
Chelsea – 5/4 (Betway – bet HERE)
Giroud FGS – 11/2 (Bet365 – bet HERE)
Chelsea 2-1 – 9/1 (Bet365 – bet HERE)
Good luck and follow The Set Odds for more tips!
