Alan Shearer and Paul Merson agree on Liverpool vs Chelsea prediction as Cole Palmer singled out
Chelsea have lost their last six Premier League games and are in grave danger of failing to qualify for the Champions League, let alone the Europa League or the Conference League.
Cole Palmer needs to step up for Chelsea(Image: Photo by Catherine Ivill – AMA/Getty Images)
Alan Shearer and Paul Merson have tipped Chelsea to lose their seventh successive Premier League game this weekend. The Blues will lock horns with Liverpool at Anfield on Saturday afternoon as they look to stay in the race for a place in the Champions League.
If Aston Villa win the Europa League later this month and finish fifth in the English top-flight, sixth place – currently held by Bournemouth – will earn qualification to Europe’s elite competition. As it stands, with three games left, Chelsea are four points adrift of the Cherries.
Although a Champions League spot remains in reach, the west Londoners are up against as many as six, maybe seven, other Premier League clubs, not to mention that Unai Emery’s side could still lose to Freiburg in Istanbul, Turkey, on May 20.
Speaking to Betfair, Shearer explained why he reckons Liverpool will win this weekend. The former Newcastle United and Blackburn Rovers striker said: “It’s a big opportunity for Liverpool here.
FOLLOW OUR CHELSEA FB PAGE! Latest Blues news, analysis and much more via our dedicated Facebook page
“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.
Sky Sports, HBO Max, Netflix and Disney+ with Ultimate TV package
Sky has upgraded its Ultimate TV and Sky Sports bundle to now include HBO Max, Netflix, Disney+, discovery+ and Hayu, as well as 135 channels and full Sky coverage of the Premier League and EFL.
Sky broadcasts more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more with at least 215 live from the top flight alongside Formula 1, darts and golf.
“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 Chelsea. Prediction – Liverpool win.”
Meanwhile, in a column for Sportskeeda, Merson urged McFarlan to play Palmer centrally, rather than on the wing. The former Arsenal midfielder said: “This game used to be big, but it’s not the same anymore!
“After what happened to Liverpool against Manchester United, this is now a must-win game for them. Arne Slot cannot afford to go into a situation where they put Champions League qualification for next season at risk.
“Chelsea are completely out of the equation for Champions League qualification in my opinion. I was there at Stamford Bridge when they lost 3-1 to Nottingham Forest on Monday.
“They got absolutely destroyed and have now lost six straight games in the Premier League! Unbelievable run of poor form. I think Chelsea are lacking in confidence at the moment.
“They’re a young football team and need that 30-year-old player in the line-up who can just calm things down on the pitch. I also don’t understand why they were playing Cole Palmer as a right-winger.
“He’s a no.10, just play him there! I know Palmer has not impressed this season. But it also down to how Chelsea have set themselves up. Joao Pedro has been excellent, but he is not a proper number nine; he likes to drop deep, and that leaves little space for Palmer.
“I’ve also said it from day one that Chelsea letting Nicolas Jackson leave was a mistake. He brought the best out of Palmer. Chelsea let him go to bring in Liam Delap, who has not been good enough. There’s no doubt that Chelsea need a rebuild this summer.
“I’m backing the hosts to get a crucial win at Anfield. Liverpool 2-0 Chelsea.”
