Chelsea v Liverpool: Last Chance for Blues in Champions League Push

It’s now or never for Antonio Conte’s side on Sunday afternoon – kick-off: 16:30 at Stamford Bridge. Win and Chelsea will continue their quest for Champions League qualification next season but anything less than victory will ensure Europa League football for the Blues in the following campaign.

Standing in the way of Chelsea on Sunday will be Liverpool, riding the crest of a wave following their narrow, but hugely exciting Champions League semi-final triumph over Roma on Wednesday night.

The Reds are in a slightly precarious position in the Premier League – leading Chelsea by six points, but the West Londoners have one game in hand. If Chelsea beat Liverpool this weekend, it will mean that the Merseysiders must beat Brighton on the final day of the league season to guarantee Champions League football next season, unless they can overcome Real Madrid in the Kiev showdown.

Match Odds

Since Chelsea were comfortably beaten 3-1 at Stamford Bridge by Tottenham at the beginning of April, the Blues have taken ten points from their last four Premier League games and enter this contest in good form. Chelsea are a best price of 5/4 with Betfred to keep their top-four hopes alive.

Liverpool have a fine recent record at Chelsea. The Reds have won four of the last seven Premier League meetings between the two sides, with two of the other games ending in stalemate. On that basis, the Reds look to be reasonable value with MarathonBet at the top price of 121/50.

The Draw can be had with Black Type at 27/10, which would certainly be a successful result for Jurgen Klopp’s men, as that outcome would virtually guarantee a top four finish for the Reds.

The late Sunday kick-off helps Liverpool replenish their energy levels for this fixture following their European exploits, but Chelsea have had the advantage of a full week’s recuperation after their FA Cup semi-final triumph over Southampton. The Blues have a wretched home record against Liverpool in recent seasons, but they will be desperate for the spoils here and they are my tentative selection to prevail at 5/4 with Betfred.

Individual Goal Scorers

The universally recognised player of the Premier League season is Mohamed Salah and the Egyptian forward is the bookmakers’ favourite to open the scoring in this contest. The former Chelsea and Roma man is the 4/1 market leader with Unibet and 888Sport to enhance his already superlative scoring record this season.

On this occasion, Salah is overlooked for my personal preference in this game with Belgian attacking midfielder, Eden Hazard. The Chelsea schemer is a best priced 5/1 shot to bag the first goal with MarathonBetand 888Sport, however an insurance policy is in the Anytime Goalscorer market at 37/20 with the same bookmakers.

Others of interest at larger odds include Chelsea’s Brazilian star Willian at the tempting odds of 8/1 to open the scoring. Willian has had an excellent season for Chelsea and he will have to be watched closely by the Liverpool defence in this game. Sadio Mane opened the scoring in Rome on Wednesday night and if Klopp decides to stick with the Senegalese international forward, he is worthy of consideration at the top price of 9/1 with William Hill and Boylesports to net first.

Other Side Bets

For those who regularly read these betting previews, you will know that a common selection is in the Both Teams to Score market. Well, this game is no exception. 10Bet and Sport Pesa offer the best industry price of 9/13 on Chelsea and Liverpool both scoring in the game and I feel this is excellent value, especially considering Liverpool’s gung-ho approach under Jurgen Klopp.

Our belief of a Chelsea victory on Sunday afternoon is firmed up with a 2-1 Correct Score bet on the Blues at the best price of 35/4 with 10Bet and Sport Pesa. It is a must-win game for Chelsea if Conte’s men are to have any hopes of Champions League action next season and we believe they can just edge out Liverpool in a tight encounter.

Best Bets:

• Both Teams to Score in the Match at 9/13 with 10Bet
• Eden Hazard Anytime Goalscorer at 37/20 with Unibet
• 2-1 Chelsea Correct Score bet at 35/4 with Sport Pesa