Liverpool vs Chelsea Preview - Premier League: Opportunity to consolidate top 4 at Anfield
Liverpool are aiming for all three points at Anfield at 6:30 PM on May 9, 2026, to protect their fourth-place position against a Chelsea side mired in crisis with a run of five consecutive defeats.
The clash between Liverpool and Chelsea in the 36th round of the Premier League takes place against a backdrop of two teams at completely opposite extremes. While Liverpool are making every effort to secure their Champions League spot, the visiting Chelsea are going through their worst period of the season with their form at rock bottom.
Current league position and form
Liverpool are currently fourth with 58 points, while Chelsea are ninth with 48 points. The 10-point gap clearly reflects the stability of the Anfield team compared to the instability of the London club.
| Team | Location | Point | Form in the last 5 matches |
|---|---|---|---|
| Liverpool | 4 | 58 | Loss 2, win 3 |
| Chelsea | 9 | 48 | Lost 5 |
Analysis of goal difference and scoring ability
After 35 matches played, Liverpool have maintained a fairly good attacking performance with an average of 1.7 goals per game (scoring a total of 59 goals). Anfield remains a strong home ground, where they have secured 10 victories. Conversely, Chelsea are facing major problems in defense, having conceded 48 goals, while their attack only achieves an efficiency of 1.5 goals per game.
Recent head-to-head history
In their last five encounters, the balance has been evident, with each team securing important victories:
- October 4, 2025: Chelsea 2 - 1 Liverpool
- May 4, 2025: Chelsea 3 - 1 Liverpool
- October 20, 2024: Liverpool 2 - 1 Chelsea
- February 25, 2024: Chelsea 0 - 1 Liverpool
- February 1, 2024: Liverpool 4 - 1 Chelsea
Team situation: A headache due to injuries.
Both teams entered this match with lengthy injury lists, directly impacting the coaches' personnel choices.
Liverpool will be missing several key players.
The home team will be without S. Bajcetic (hamstring injury), C. Bradley (knee injury), H. Ekitike (Achilles tendon injury), W. Endo (foot injury), G. Leoni (knee injury), and especially star player M. Salah (thigh injury). The availability of goalkeeper Alisson, A. Isak, and G. Mamardashvili remains uncertain due to muscle and knee problems.
Chelsea suffers a loss in attack.
For Chelsea, M. Mudryk is definitely out due to suspension. The injury list includes J. Derry and goalkeeper R. Sanchez (concussion). In addition, A. Garnacho, J. Gittens and P. Neto are doubtful to play.
Analysis and prediction of results
Based on Chelsea's dismal form with five consecutive defeats, Liverpool are considered far more likely to win at Anfield. Experts predict a 45% chance of the home team winning, equal to the probability of a draw, while Chelsea's chances of winning are a mere 10%.
Given Liverpool's attacking style of play, the match is expected to see many goals from the home team, while Chelsea will struggle to break through the opponent's defense at Anfield.
