2025/26 Premier League MW36 – Liverpool vs. Chelsea Preview: Can the Reds punch their Champions League ticket at Anfield? May 7, 2026 by Marc Jerbs
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The 2025-26 Premier League season reaches a fever pitch this Saturday as Anfield hosts a pivotal clash between two of England's most storied clubs. Kickoff is 12:30 PM BST. For Liverpool, the mission is clear: secure Champions League football. For Chelsea, it's about pride, European positioning, and finding rhythm ahead of their FA Cup Final appearance later this month.
The Stakes
Liverpool enters this weekend in a precarious 4th place with 58 points. Coming off a bruising 3-2 loss to Manchester United, Arne Slot's side can no longer afford any slip-ups with a surging Aston Villa breathing down their necks. A victory at home would provide much-needed breathing room in the hunt for a seat at Europe's top table next season.
Chelsea, currently occupying 9th place with 48 points, arrives in Merseyside looking to recover from a shock 3-1 home defeat to Nottingham Forest. While the top four is out of reach, Enzo Maresca's men are still fighting for a Europa League spot. With an FA Cup Final against Manchester City on the horizon, a statement win at Anfield would be the perfect morale booster for the Blues.
Injury Report
Both managers are navigating significant selection headaches as the grueling season takes its toll on key personnel.
- Liverpool: The major talking point is the availability of Mohamed Salah, who remains a massive doubt with a persistent hamstring injury. Striker Alexander Isak is also fighting to be fit following a groin strain. In goal, Giorgi Mamardashvili is sidelined with a leg injury, likely handing the gloves back to Alisson or Freddie Woodman. Midfield enforcer Wataru Endo remains out long-term with a broken ankle.
- Chelsea: The Blues are sweating on the fitness of goalkeeper Robert Sanchez and Jesse Derry, both of whom are undergoing concussion protocols following the Forest match. While Reece James and Levi Colwill are available, questions remain over their match fitness for a full 90 minutes. Fans will look to Cole Palmer to provide the creative spark, as he remains fit and central to Chelsea's attack.
Liverpool vs. Chelsea Sports Bet Odds
The Reds are the favorites to win the game. Here are our latest odds:
- The Reds are favored by a point, with a full-time result of 1.83.
- The Blues are the underdogs by a point, with a full-time result of 3.90.
- Draw has a full-time result of 4.00.
- Total is set at 2.5 goals, with the Under at 2.75 and the Over at 1.44.
Head-to-Head: History and Recent Form
This fixture is a cornerstone of the Premier League era, with over 200 competitive meetings between the sides. While Liverpool leads the all-time record with 87 wins to Chelsea's 67, the Blues have enjoyed the upper hand in recent league encounters.
Earlier this season, Chelsea claimed a 2-1 victory at Stamford Bridge thanks to a late winner from Willian Estêvão. This followed a 3-1 Chelsea win in late 2025, leaving Liverpool eager to snap a two-match losing streak against their London rivals in domestic play. However, the Reds can still draw confidence from their 2024 EFL Cup Final triumph over the Blues, and Anfield remains one of the most intimidating environments for any visiting Chelsea side.
Final Thought
Tactically, this encounter will likely be decided by how well both teams manage the transition. Liverpool's high defensive line looked vulnerable against United's speed last week, a weakness that Chelsea's pacey wingers—specifically Pedro Neto and Estêvão—will look to exploit.
However, Chelsea's own defensive lapses have been their Achilles' heel this month. If Liverpool can find a way to sharpen their finishing, even in the potential absence of Salah, the energy of the home crowd should give them the edge. Expect an end-to-end battle where Liverpool's desperation for a Top 4 finish ultimately tips the scales.
2025/26 Premier League Table
| CLUB | W | D | L | PTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arsenal | 23 | 7 | 5 | 76 |
| Manchester City | 21 | 8 | 5 | 71 |
| Manchester United | 18 | 10 | 7 | 64 |
| Liverpool | 17 | 7 | 11 | 58 |
| Aston Villa | 17 | 7 | 11 | 58 |
| AFC Bournemouth | 12 | 16 | 7 | 52 |
| Brentford | 14 | 9 | 12 | 51 |
| Brighton & Hove Albion | 13 | 11 | 11 | 50 |
| Chelsea | 13 | 9 | 13 | 48 |
| Everton | 13 | 9 | 13 | 48 |
| Fulham | 14 | 6 | 15 | 48 |
| Sunderland | 12 | 11 | 12 | 47 |
| Newcastle United | 13 | 6 | 16 | 45 |
| Leeds United | 10 | 13 | 12 | 43 |
| Crystal Palace | 11 | 10 | 13 | 43 |
| Nottingham Forest | 11 | 9 | 15 | 42 |
| Tottenham Hotspur | 9 | 10 | 16 | 37 |
| West Ham United | 9 | 9 | 17 | 36 |
| Burnley | 4 | 8 | 23 | 20 |
| Wolverhampton Wanderers | 3 | 9 | 23 | 18 |
