Chelsea will host Liverpool in the Premier League on Sunday, January 2nd. Currently, the Reds are 3rd in the league table with 41 points and have played one game less, meanwhile, the Blues are second with 42 points. Ahead of the game, Paul Merson has stated his prediction on Sportskeeda.
If I'm going purely based on what I saw of Chelsea against Brighton, I can't see anything but a Liverpool win. I was shocked by Chelsea's performance last night - they were lethargic, slow and had nothing good to show after 90 minutes of football. Liverpool are also coming on the back of a damaging defeat in terms of the Premier League title race against Leicester City, but they were really good in the first half at the King Power and it could have been a different story had Mohamed Salah converted his penalty. Fair play to Leicester City, though - they defended for their lives with a depleted squad and came away with all three points. I believe both teams are already out of the Premier League title race, but it could be the final nail in the coffin for whoever loses this one. There's really no point in a draw, as they need to close the gap at the top to stay in contention. If Reece James misses out for Chelsea, it's anyone's best guess who Thomas Tuchel deploys at right-wing back. Christian Pulisic played there and it didn't quite work out. The wing-backs are a big part of their team and with Ben Chilwell out for the rest for the rest of the season, it could get very difficult for Chelsea. This is an important game for the home side. If they lose and Arsenal somehow shock Manchester City, Chelsea are fighting for top four again - that's how quickly things can change in the Premier League. Pace at the back is Chelsea's Achilles heel, which is why I'd fancy Sadio Mane to get the nod once again. Jurgen Klopp could call upon Roberto Firmino, but I think the Senegalese winger will start and look to return to form.Prediction: Chelsea 0-2 Liverpool
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