Liverpool on the beach?

Champions Liverpool host a Chelsea side with the bit between their teeth in the race for the top four. The Blues are competing with Leicester City and Manchester United for third and fourth place and therefore will have eyes elsewhere, also paying a big thanks to London rivals Tottenham Hotspur for beating the Foxes 3-0 last night. Even though Chelsea have far more to play for than the hosts, who can no longer break Manchester City’s total points record, they are favourites with the bookmakers, but you can be sure Frank Lampard’s men will be bang at it.

Last time out

Defensive errors crept into Liverpool’s game as they were beaten 2-1 at the Emirates Stadium against FA Cup finalists Arsenal. Alisson and Virgil Van Dijk, two men destined to be included in the Premier League’s team of the season were the culprits, in a nutshell demonstrating the drop off we have seen since Jurgen Klopp’s team were crowned champions for the first time in over 30 years. There were shortcomings in front of goal to boot with Sadio Mane’s opener their only goal from 2.51 expected goals, with an inspired display from Emiliano Martinez taking the headlines.

Chelsea were helped by a goalkeeper in their last outing, David De Gea could be pointed out for all three of the goals he conceded as the Blues ran out 3-1 winners. Olivier Giroud continued his excellent form before Mason Mount and a Harry Maguire own goal put them into an unassailable 3-0 lead, with Bruno Fernandes notching a consolation goal from the penalty spot. The camp were quick to throw attention straight back onto Premier League action post-match, rather than pioneering to lift the FA Cup.

One to watch

While Chelsea will have to be defensively astute if they are to gain a positive result, once again I am highlighting Christian Pulisic as the main man. Rested in the FA Cup semi-final, a decision Lampard likely came to with this game in mind, and the tough fixture with Wolverhampton Wanderers to finish off the campaign. The American’s trickery has been mesmerising since the resumption of play and he is a big game player as he has shown for club and country. Most recently putting in a man of the match display netting the opener when Chelsea beat Manchester City at the end of June.

This should be a cracker; you know Chelsea will give everything and the champions will want to respond to their defeat at Arsenal.

Liverpool – Chelsea Betting Tip

Chelsea (+0.5) Handicap with bet365 at odds of 22/25 or 1.86.

Bet Chelsea (+0.5) Handicap on Bet365