'Anfield can be a humbling place' – Gary Neville makes Liverpool v Chelsea prediction

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Gary Neville has revealed his prediction for the mouth-watering Premier League clash between Liverpool and Chelsea at Anfield.

Early Premier League leaders Liverpool play host to high-flying Chelsea on Sunday afternoon in the standout fixture of the weekend.

Liverpool have made a superb start to life after Jurgen Klopp, winning six of their first seven league games under the German’s replacement, Arne Slot.

The only reason to doubt Liverpool’s title credentials is the opponents they have faced during a favourable run of fixtures which has seen them beat Ipswich Town, Brentford, Manchester United, Bournemouth, West Ham and Wolves.

But Liverpool’s form has nevertheless been impressive, their only blip coming in mid-September when they suffered a shock defeat at home to Nottingham Forest.

Liverpool sit one point ahead of Manchester City and Arsenal and four above of Chelsea ahead of this weekend’s round of fixtures, with Enzo Maresca’s Blues having the chance to close that gap at Anfield on Sunday.

Chelsea were expected to have some teething issues under ex-Leicester City boss Maresca but have enjoyed a six-game unbeaten run since their opening-day defeat to Man City.

The Blues have in fact been one of the most exciting and dynamic teams in the Premier League, putting six past Wolves in August and four past Brighton last month.

Despite Chelsea’s impressive form, Neville believes the west London side are set for a tough afternoon at Anfield and believes Liverpool will prove too strong for the Blues.

Revealing his prediction on The Overlap, Neville said: ‘I think Liverpool beat them. I think Chelsea, they're a bit younger… I think Liverpool win 3-1.

‘I think it will be a big atmosphere that day, I think Chelsea will just… Liverpool can be a humbling place. It's the first time this Chelsea team are going there.’

Premier League legend and ex-England striker Alan Shearer has also delivered his verdict on Sunday’s clash at Anfield.

‘Chelsea will be happy to walk away from Anfield with a point, despite the injury to Alisson,’ Shearer told Betfair.

‘I know they dropped points in their last home game vs Forest, but I would imagine Enzo Maresca would snap your hands off for a point here.

‘The key battle will be in midfield, where I think Liverpool have been strong. Ryan Gravenberch and Alexis MacAllister have been superb, alongside Dominik Szoboszlai.

‘The international break always makes it a little bit tougher to call, as you wait to see how players are when the return to their clubs, whether they're ready or not to start the game.

‘If everyone is fit and everyone plays, that midfield battle will be key, and I think Liverpool will come out on top.’

Liverpool thumped Chelsea 4-1 in this fixture last season. The match at Stamford Bridge finished 1-1.

Anfield boss Slot could be without Alexis Mac Allister, Waturo Endo and Kostas Tsimikas, while Chelsea are without the suspended Wesley Fofana and Marc Cucurella.

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