Liverpool vs Chelsea: Possible lineups and match prediction
By Joel Masibo, May 9, 2026Liverpool FC will be aiming to strengthen their push for a top-four finish when they host Chelsea FC in a highly anticipated Premier League clash at Anfield on Saturday, May 9, 2026.
The Reds head into the encounter as favourites following their impressive home form and Chelsea’s alarming dip in results in recent weeks. Arne Slot’s side have won four of their last five league matches at Anfield and remain difficult to break down on Merseyside despite suffering a narrow 3-2 defeat away to Manchester United in their previous outing.
Current form
Liverpool currently sit fourth in the league standings with 58 points from 35 matches, level with Aston Villa FC, while Chelsea occupy ninth place on 48 points after a disappointing campaign.
Chelsea’s recent form has raised major concerns ahead of the trip to Anfield. The Blues have lost six consecutive Premier League matches, including a 3-1 defeat at home to Nottingham Forest FC last weekend. Despite enjoying large spells of possession in several matches, Calum McFarlane’s side have struggled defensively and have conceded heavily against top opposition.
Liverpool’s attacking trio of Cody Gakpo, Dominik Szoboszlai and Florian Wirtz is expected to pose a serious threat to Chelsea’s backline. Wirtz has been particularly effective at home, scoring four goals in his last nine Premier League appearances at Anfield.
Chelsea will rely heavily on Cole Palmer and João Pedro for inspiration. Palmer has consistently tested opposition goalkeepers with multiple shots in recent games, while João Pedro remains Chelsea’s leading attacking threat with 15 league goals this season.
Head-to-head
The head-to-head record between the two sides has been fairly balanced in recent meetings. Chelsea won the last two encounters at Stamford Bridge, but Liverpool claimed a 2-1 victory in the most recent clash at Anfield. Historically, fixtures between the two English giants have often been tightly contested, with five of the last ten meetings ending in draws.
Liverpool’s home statistics, however, provide a stronger case for the hosts. The Reds have recorded seven wins in their last 10 home matches, averaging nearly three goals per game while conceding less than one goal on average. Chelsea, meanwhile, have managed only three victories in their last 10 away matches.
Injury concerns could also influence the outcome. Liverpool are without key names including Mohamed Salah and goalkeeper Alisson Becker, while Chelsea are monitoring several injury doubts including Pedro Neto and Robert Sánchez.
Possible lineups
Liverpool are expected to line up in a 4-2-3-1 formation with Giorgi Mamardashvili in goal behind Curtis Jones, Ibrahima Konate, Virgil van Dijk and Milos Kerkez. Ryan Gravenberch and Alexis Mac Allister could anchor midfield, with Jeremie Frimpong, Dominik Szoboszlai and Florian Wirtz supporting Cody Gakpo in attack.
Chelsea are likely to deploy Filip Jorgensen in goal, with Malo Gusto, Trevoh Chalobah, Levi Colwill and Marc Cucurella forming the defence. Romeo Lavia and Moises Caicedo are expected in midfield, while Cole Palmer, Enzo Fernandez and João Pedro support striker Liam Delap.
Match prediction
Based on current form, home advantage and Chelsea’s ongoing struggles, Liverpool appear better positioned to secure all three points. The Reds’ attacking quality and stronger defensive structure could prove decisive against a Chelsea side short on confidence.
Prediction: Liverpool 2-0 Chelsea