Mark Lawrenson has backed Liverpool to beat Chelsea in their vital clash at Anfield on Sunday afternoon.
The Reds are currently two points clear at the top of the table, but second-placed Manchester City have a game in hand on Jurgen Klopp’s men.
Speaking to BBC Sport, however, Lawrenson backed Liverpool to retain their lead at the summit.
He said: “I think Liverpool will win this whether Chelsea boss Maurizio Sarri picks his best team or not.
“I was at Tuesday’s win over Porto in the Champions League and the Reds should have won by more than two goals, but I always felt they could have raised their game at any time.
“They have had a decent rest since Tuesday night and I don’t think they were overstretched in midweek anyhow.”
Lawrenson predicts a 2-0 win.
OPINION
This could truly be a make or break game for Liverpool. The Reds know that this, on paper, is the hardest game they have left to face, and if they can get through it then the pressure will well and truly be on Manchester City. Chelsea have the potential to beat anybody on their day, but it has rarely been their day this season, and they have looked poor against some of the bigger sides. Liverpool will be hoping that it is that Chelsea that turn up in Merseyside on Sunday, the creaking, brittle defensive unit that ship goals for fun and generally irk their fans. There will be nerves galore at Anfield this weekend, but a decent win against the Blues would set things up nicely going into the final sprint for the finish, especially if Tottenham can get something against Manchester City. That in itself will be a big ask, and all the Reds can do is focus on their own affairs, but hopes will be high for a much more appealing league table come Sunday evening.
