Liverpool could secure UCL football for next season if they beat lackluster Chelsea on Saturday.
Liverpool and Chelsea face off in a crucial tie that could determine both teams’ European ambitions next season. Liverpool could’ve confirmed their Champions League place last week when they played Manchester United, but a 3-2 loss to the Red Devils meant they will need to confirm their spot this week with a win over Chelsea.
Up next: #LIVCHE 🛣️ pic.twitter.com/rPuHJFbEER
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) May 6, 2026
Chelsea are almost out of the Champions League places but could be handed a lifeline if Aston Villa finish in the top five and win the Europa League. Chelsea are in their poorest run of form, having lost six games in a row and managing to score just one goal in their last six games.
Mathematically, Chelsea shouldn’t make a UCL place, but with Villa’s lifeline on the horizon, the Blues will need to win all their games, beginning with the reigning Premier League Champions.
Team News
Injuries haven’t been kind to either side. Liverpool’s star striker, Hugo Ekitike, is out with an Achilles injury, while Salah, Bradley, and Endo are all out as well. There are also doubts that the trio of Isak, Konate and Wirtz will play the game against Chelsea.
Injury update 🔴
Alexander Isak and Giorgi Mamardashvili are back in training ahead of our clash with Chelsea. #LIVCHE
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) May 8, 2026
For Chelsea, Jesse Derry has recovered from the nasty injury in the Nottingham Forest loss, but he will miss the rest of the season. The Blues might also be without Pedro Neto and Garnacho, while Robert Sanchez will be out after the collision with Morgan Gibbs-White last week.
Liverpool vs Chelsea Predicted XI
Liverpool Predicted XI
Woodman; Jones, Van Dijk, Konate, Kerkez; Gravenberch, Szoboszlai; Frimpong, Wirtz, Ngumoha; Gakpo
Chelsea Predicted XI
Jorgensen; James, Colwill, Chalobah, Cucurella; Santos, Caicedo, Lavia; Fernandez; Pedro, Delap
