Liverpool host faltering Chelsea in early kick-off as top-four race intensifies

Liverpool and Chelsea open the weekend’s Premier League programme at Anfield on Saturday lunchtime, a meeting that carries weight at both ends of the table’s European picture. Liverpool are looking to rebound after last weekend’s defeat to Manchester United and consolidate fourth place, while Chelsea arrive in need of a response after a bleak stretch.

Despite a second-half push at Old Trafford, Liverpool were beaten by United, who secured Champions League qualification at the expense of their rivals. The result left Liverpool fourth with the battle for the remaining top spots tightening ahead of the run-in.

Chelsea’s slide has been stark. Six successive league defeats, yielding just one goal, have dropped them to ninth. If results elsewhere go against them, they could end the weekend in the bottom half. A win on Merseyside would offer only faint hope of salvaging their league campaign but could provide a timely lift before next week’s FA Cup final against Manchester City.

Liverpool are set to be without Mohamed Salah again as the forward continues his recovery from a hamstring problem. Kick-off is at 12:30pm at Anfield. The match will be broadcast on TNT Sports 1, with streaming also available.