Paul Merson and Harry Redknapp disagree with Chelsea vs Liverpool prediction

1 day ago 27

Liverpool travels to Chelsea having lost each of its last two games, and pundits Paul Merson and Harry Redknapp have made different predictions for the huge clash at Stamford Bridge.

Arne Slot's side heads into this round of Premier League fixtures leading the way in the table but needs to get back to winning ways. Enzo Maresca's men, meanwhile, have several injury concerns for the game including star man Cole Palmer and multiple center-backs.

"Another massive one," Redknapp told Bet Victor. "Chelsea are just such a strange side at the minute. Even the games they’ve been winning have hardly been convincing.

"Benfica had chances the other night. If Cole Palmer is out, I really worry where the goals come from in this side which is crazy considering how much money they’ve spent on it!

"As for Liverpool, the performances have caught up with them in the last week. I just think Arne Slot will want to get to the break, regroup and figure some things out because they haven’t really looked right all season.

"Despite losing their last two away games, I’m still going for the champions: 1-2.

"One to watch? There could be two: Isak and Wirtz. Isak doesn’t look fully fit to me but Wirtz, there’s a lot of pressure on this lad after that huge fee and he’s not delivering. He needs a goal."

Liverpool head coach Arne Slot.

Liverpool head coach Arne Slot.

Writing for Sportskeeda and predicting a 1-1 draw, Merson said: "If Liverpool fail to win at Chelsea and Arsenal beat West Ham, which I think they will, the Gunners will be top of the league.

"Before last weekend's games, we were thinking of a possibility in which Arsenal would be eight points behind Liverpool. This is how quickly things can change in the Premier League!

"I'm a Chelsea fan but I must admit they don't whet my appetite. They looked good for the first 20 minutes against Brighton and eventually crumbled. This is the problem with Chelsea, they only play well in patches.

"I told you Nicolas Jackson would be a huge miss. It was a bad decision to sell him. Chelsea have no player up front who can do what Jackson did for them.

"People will read this and be like, 'What are you saying? He wasn't even good.' But it's not about how many chances he missed, it's about what he did for the team. I know Cole Palmer is injured, but Jackson made him a better player!

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"I expect Joao Pedro and Pedro Neto to start this game for Chelsea, but does Enzo Maresca trust Alejandro Garnacho against Liverpool? Jamie Gittens is behind the eight-ball at Chelsea, he's really struggling and I don't expect him to play here.

"Estevao looks like the best option and don't get me wrong, he's a good player. But Chelsea have spent a billion pounds and we are still second-guessing on who would play for them, unbelievable.

"Liverpool are playing badly, but I just don't see them losing this game. I'd be shocked if Chelsea won too, but the hosts could get a point here in my opinion."

Liverpool.com says: This is going to be a big test for the Reds, no doubt. But if Arne Slot's side can start well, it should be able to get a result. Chelsea's defense is there for the taking if Florian Wirtz and co are on their game.

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