Liverpool will take on Chelsea in the Premier League on Sunday and there are a few people who expect Sarri’s men to cause an upset.
But Paul Merson believes that it will be Liverpool who will come out on top during the Anfield encounter.
Here’s why:
Talking to Sky Sports, Merson said: “I’m not sure if Eden Hazard’s going to play as the Europa League is a massive competition for Chelsea.
“For the manager, winning that competition is bigger for him than getting into the top four – for a manager who’s never won anything before.
“This is a big opportunity for [Maurizio] Sarri so it’s a question of what team gets set up for Chelsea.
“If Chelsea play their full team, and don’t worry about next Thursday, this will be game on – no question about that – but I’m just going to go for Liverpool.
“Liverpool are going to get nervous.
“They’ve not won the league in 29 years, and everyone in the city is talking about it, so there’s bound to be nerves.
“If they can get this game out of the way, Man City will have to do it the hard way.”
Merson believes the Chelsea manager will prioritise winning the Europe League over finishing in the top-four this season.
But can you really blame the Italian?
After all, winning the Europa League means a guaranteed slot in the Champions League next campaign whereas even if Chelsea finish fourth on the Premier League table there’s no guarantee that they will be in the top tier of Europe after the summer.
And if Liverpool somehow manage to get past Chelsea this weekend then most people do not see the Reds losing points during their remaining league games.
