BBC pundit Alan Shearer expects Chelsea to lose when they play Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday.

Writing in his column for Metro.co.uk, Shearer said that the Blues would see a draw as a good result but he feels that the home side will have too much for their opponents (especially in midfield):

“Chelsea will be happy to walk away from Anfield with a point, despite the injury to Alisson. I know they dropped points in their last home game vs Forest, but I would imagine Enzo Maresca would snap your hands off for a point here. The key battle will be in midfield, where I think Liverpool have been strong. Ryan Gravenberch and Alexis MacAllister have been superb, alongside Dominik Szoboszlai.”

“The international break always makes it a little bit tougher to call, as you wait to see how players are when the return to their clubs, whether they’re ready or not to start the game. If everyone is fit and everyone plays, that midfield battle will be key, and I think Liverpool will come out on top.”

Chelsea can cause an upset

While Shearer and the bookies are banking on a Liverpool victory, there is enough evidence to suggest that Maresca’s men can pull off a shock result if things go their way.

They have won all three of their away games in the Premier League so far this season. Liverpool, meanwhile, have already lost at home to Nottingham Forest immediately after an international break. There is an opportunity for the Blues to catch their opponents cold.

2 first team players will be missing

Chelsea will be without Marc Cucurella and Wesley Fofana due to suspension but you do feel that Maresca has good enough backup options to make sure his team can still compete.

Tosin Adarabioyo and Renato Veiga are the favourites to come into the starting lineup. Neither has let the side down when called upon so far this campaign.

Find out who is in Chelsea’s first-team squad for the 2024/2025 season here