Liverpool could finally secure Champions League football with a victory over Chelsea, and they have to make it happen in an early kickoff at Anfield.
Liverpool vs. Chelsea
Premier League (36) | Anfield
May 9, 2026 | 12.30pm (BST)
Liverpool left themselves with too much to do against Man United last time out, seeing their rivals secure a place in the Champions League ahead of them.
Chelsea have not won any of their last six games in the Premier League and have scored just once in that run, and head to Anfield with a few injury concerns.
Liverpool team news: Mamardashvili and Isak could return
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Saturday, September 20, 2025: Liverpool's substitute Alexander Isak on the bench before the FA Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Everton FC at Anfield. The 247th Merseyside Derby. Liverpool won 2-1. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Liverpool could be boosted by the return of Giorgi Mamardashvili and Alexander Isak, with the duo expected to train on the eve of the clash.
Arne Slot confirmed the striker rejoined training on Thursday for the first time after his groin issue, likely hinting that a place on the bench is the best possible outcome.
As for Mamardashvili, it is a case of seeing “how he’s going to react” on return from his leg wound, which keeps Freddie Woodman on standby.
Alisson and Mo Salah will not return as they have yet to rejoin training, but Florian Wirtz (illness) and Ibrahima Konate (personal) are expected to start after missing a midweek session.
Chelsea team news: Goalkeeper change after head clash
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Sunday, October 20, 2024: Chelsea's goalkeeper Robert Sánchez during the FA Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Chelsea FC at Anfield. Liverpool won 2-1. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
After sickening head clashes to Jesse Derry and Robert Sanchez in the defeat against Nottingham Forest, neither player will be available on Saturday.
This means Filip Jorgensen will be in goal for the visitors.
Pedro Neto and Alejandro Garnacho are also in doubt for the visitors after knocks kept them sidelined last week, with interim coach Calum McFarlane saying “it’s unlikely” they’re available.
Chelsea are “hopeful,” however, that Reece James and Levi Colwill will be in starting contention after marking their respective returns against Forest.
Possible Chelsea XI: Jorgensen; James, Colwill, Chalobah, Cucurella; Santos, Caicedo, Lavia; Fernandez; Pedro, Delap
Predicted Liverpool XI
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Monday, January 12, 2026: Liverpool's goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili during the FA Cup 3rd Round match between Liverpool FC and Barnsley FC at Anfield. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Liverpool could retain the majority of their starting XI from Old Trafford, especially if Isak is only ready for a place on the bench.
This would see Jeremie Frimpong continue in the absence of Salah, with Wirtz and Cody Gakpo to be joined by Dominik Szoboszlai in the final third.
Jones is worthy of retaining his place at right-back, and a return for Milos Kerkez in place of Andy Robertson is likely after starting the last three games from the bench.
If Mamardashvili is fit and ready to start, he will replace Woodman.
Predicted Liverpool XI: Mamardashvili; Jones, Konate, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Gravenberch, Mac Allister; Frimpong, Szoboszlai, Wirtz; Gakpo
Flags back on the Kop after successful ticket protest
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Friday, August 15, 2025: Liverpool supporters on the Spion Kop stand in silence as they pay tribute to Diogo Jota, who died in a car accident in July, during the FA Premier League match between Liverpool FC and AFC Bournemouth at Anfield. Liverpool won 4-2. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
The Kop will be adorned with flags and banners once more after ticket price protests led to the club backing down from their decision to lock in three successive years of increases.
The club announced on Thursday that they have scaled back their plans, with an inflationary increase of three percent in place next season and a price freeze for 2027/28.
Long-term solutions will be explored to avoid future increases, but for now, it is a win and Anfield’s colour will be restored.
Protests work!
The importance of Liverpool scoring first
BRIGHTON & HOVE, ENGLAND - Saturday, March 21, 2026: Liverpool's captain Virgil van Dijk reacts during the FA Premier League match between Brighton & Hove Albion FC and Liverpool FC at the AMEX Community Stadium. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
It’s quite telling that Liverpool have won one and lost 10 of the 13 league games this season when they have conceded the first goal.
In all competitions, Slot’s side have conceded first 21 times from their 54 games to date, winning only two and none of the last seven.
It goes without saying that scoring the first goal is imperative for Liverpool!
Arne Slot: ‘Three wins won’t silence the critics’
Speaking in his pre-match press conference, Slot acknowledged that even if Liverpool were to win their remaining three games, it would not silence the critics, saying:
“If I could choose, I prefer to win three times with three very good performances. Let that be clear.
“But that will not silence the criticism. Therefore, we need to have a much longer run of good results and good performances.
“But that’s not what we are focused on now, the focus is on three more games.”
How Liverpool can guarantee Champions League football this wek
PARIS, FRANCE - Wednesday, April 8, 2026: Liverpool's captain Virgil van Dijk leads his side out before the UEFA Champions League Quarter-Final 1st Leg match between Paris Saint-Germain FC and Liverpool FC at the Parc des Princes. PSG won 2-0. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
With three games still to play and a top-five finish enough for Champions League qualification, a maximum of four points are needed from Liverpool.
They can, however, guarantee another season dining at the top table of European football if:
• They win vs. Chelsea
• AND Bournemouth lose or draw vs. Fulham on Saturday
Bournemouth are six points behind Liverpool in sixth, and any dropped points for the Cherries coupled with a win for Slot and Co. will be enough.
There are more complicated permutations, but let’s keep it simple, eh!
Who is the referee for Liverpool vs. Chelsea?
LONDON, ENGLAND - Sunday, January 4, 2026: (L-R) Liverpool's Florian Wirtz and referee Craig Pawson awaiting the decision from the VAR check during the FA Premier League match between Fulham FC and Liverpool FC at Craven Cottage. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Craig Pawson is in charge at Anfield. He has overseen 19 Premier League matches this season and has shown 48 yellow cards, two red cards and awarded six penalties.
Lee Betts and Mat Wilkes will serve as his assistants, with Bobby Madley acting as the fourth official.
Tony Harrington, meanwhile, is on VAR and is assisted by Eddie Smart.
How to watch and follow Liverpool vs. Chelsea
Liverpool vs. Chelsea will be live on TNT Sports 1 in the UK, with coverage underway from 11am (BST) ahead of the 12.30pm kickoff.
This Is Anfield will have a full worldwide guide in the hours leading up to kickoff, and you can also follow along with our liveblog!
Harry McMullen will keep you entertained and informed from 11.45am, hopefully guiding you through a victory.
Into these, Reds!