“I just don’t know what to expect”

Premier League legend Alan Shearer has made a confident prediction about who will win Liverpool vs Chelsea on Saturday. Both teams are eyeing a return to winning ways after suffering disappointing losses last time out.

Liverpool came from two goals down before losing 3-2 against Manchester United at Old Trafford on Sunday. Chelsea, on the other hand, were handed a crushing 3-1 defeat by Nottingham Forest at Stamford Bridge the next day.

The results have raised questions about the teams’ chances of securing Champions League qualification for next season. Arne Slot and company are still in the driving seat as they sit fourth in the table with 58 points. The Blues, meanwhile, are 10 points behind them, languishing in ninth-place.

The Blues have now lost six straight Premier League games and Shearer referred to them as a ‘mess’. He believes that the problems at the top of the club’s hierarchy is now filtering down onto the pitch, affecting their players.

Shearer wrote in his column for Metro UK:

“It’s a big opportunity for Liverpool here. Chelsea look a mess, don’t they? I don’t know how many times I’ve said it, but whatever happens at the top of the club always filters down onto the pitch, and that’s exactly what’s happening now.

“It looks as if their players are trying to get through the season to the FA Cup Final, and then see what happens. It can’t look past Liverpool to win this one, and that would secure Champions League football after what’s been a really disappointing season for them.”

Shearer warned the Blues that they must seek a massive improvement in this game, especially after the ‘abysmal’ display against Forest. He also admitted that he doesn’t know what to expect from them.

The Englishman concluded:

“Having watched Chelsea v Forest the other night, Chelsea were shocking, they were abysmal and there has to be a massive improvement from that, because you can’t just turn it on and off. You can’t just turn up and think, oh, we’ll get through to the FA Cup Final and see what happens.

“They’re really struggling now for European football next season, let alone Champions League football. I just don’t know what to expect from them.”

Notably, Chelsea beat Liverpool 2-1 in the reverse fixture back in October 2025. After Moises Caicedo’s goal was cancelled out by Cody Gakpo, the hosts secured three points through Estevao’s stoppage time winner at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea face injury crisis as 5 wingers ruled out of Liverpool clash

Ahead of their trip to Anfield, Chelsea interim manager Calum McFarlane has confirmed that his team will be without five wingers. Estevao and Jamie Gittens remain sidelined due to their hamstring injuries, while Pedro Neto and Alejandro Garnacho, who both missed the game against Forest, are also unavailable.

McFarlane handed a Premier League debut to Jesse Derry in the absence of his first team wingers on Monday. However, the 18-year-old lasted only 45 minutes after picking up a head injury during a collision. Derry had to be given oxygen and stretchered out, but later confirmed his health is fine.

It remains to be seen how McFarlane decides to line his team up against Liverpool. Cole Palmer, who missed a penalty against Forest, could be forced to play out wide.