Paul Merson and Chris Sutton disagree on Chelsea score prediction as Liverpool weak spot spotted

Arsenal and Manchester City will be hoping Liverpool drop points to Chelsea on Sunday afternoon as the title race builds a head of steam

Paul Merson and Chris Sutton have predicted whether Chelsea can defeat Liverpool. The Blues will lock horns with Arne Slot's side at Anfield on Sunday afternoon, knowing a win could prove decisive in the Premier League title race.

Chelsea, who have remained unbeaten in the English top-flight since losing to Manchester City on the opening weekend, head into the clash following a 1-1 draw with Nottingham Forest. Meanwhile, Liverpool, who will be looking to defend first place, enjoyed a 1-0 win over Crystal Palace.

Neither Merson nor Sutton believes much will separate the two sides this weekend. In a column for SportsKeeda, the Arsenal legend explained how the west Londoners could breach the Reds' backline.

"This is a massive football match to see where Liverpool and Chelsea are at the moment," said Merson. "Liverpool have had a nice start under Arne Slot, they've done what they've needed to do.

"When you have easier fixtures, you have to win them and Liverpool have done it except the shock defeat to Nottingham Forest. But this is where it gets serious for Liverpool. Chelsea have become better since that defeat to Manchester City in the opening weekend.

"So this is a real test. I expect goals in this game. I worry for Chelsea only because they're playing at Anfield. When Liverpool close teams down at Anfield, they really suffocate you."

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Merson added: "I think Virgil van Dijk can handle Nicolas Jackson. If Chelsea end up beating Liverpool's press, they can score. That's still a big challenge for the Blues though. If Liverpool win, they start looking like genuine contenders.

"If Chelsea go to Liverpool and get a good result, we'll all go 'wow, this is good'. Chelsea must prove they are not flat track bullies and start getting results against the big boys. Liverpool have two brilliant South American players in Alexis Mac Allister and Luis Diaz.

"If they don't both play on Sunday, then it's advantage Chelsea. But despite their long travel during the international break, they still have an extra day to rest unlike last month against Forest. Prediction: Liverpool 2-2 Chelsea."

Then, in a column for BBC Sport, Sutton tipped Liverpool to just edge the clash. The former Chelsea striker said: "Everyone is talking now about the tests coming up for Liverpool, who have started the season with what some people are calling gentler fixtures but, after this game, go to Emirates Stadium next weekend.

"This is a tough game for them for starters. There has been a great rivalry between these two clubs in the past couple of decades and I don't think there will be much love lost when they meet on Sunday, either.

"Can Chelsea go to Anfield and dominate Liverpool? I am not so sure. Alisson's injury is a blow for the Reds but Caoimhín Kelleher is a very capable back-up in goal.

"At the other end, Arne Slot's playing style seems to suit Mohamed Salah and I am expecting Liverpool's attacking options to give them the edge."

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