A classic Premier League matchup is on the schedule for Wednesday, July 22, 2020, when Liverpool hosts Chelsea. Liverpool wrapped up the Premier League title a few weeks back and Chelsea is fighting to stay in the Champions League spot. This game will air live on NBCSN at 3:15 p.m. EST.
Liverpool are Premier League champions for the first time in club history and are now looking to top their points record from last season. The club missed the opportunity to set the Premier League points record, 100 by Manchester City during the 2017-2018 season, but can still finish with 99 on the season.
Chelsea sit in third place, with 63 points, and are one of three teams fighting for the final two Champions League spots. The Blues are one point ahead of both Leicester City and Manchester United, but do have a game in hand on the Foxes. This three-team battle is expected to go down to the final game and is the most exciting race in Europe right now.
Below is my pick for the Premier League action between Liverpool and Chelsea. All odds are from DraftKings Sportsbook.
Liverpool (+102) vs Chelsea (+260) Draw (+265)
Last time out, Liverpool visited Arsenal and suffered a disappointing, and odd, 2-1 loss. Liverpool got on the board with a Sadio Mane goal in the 20th minute, but mistakes by Virgil Van Dijk and Alisson allowed Arsenal to grab two lucky goals. It was a disappointing result, but Liverpool dominated and deserved the victory. Liverpool have three wins, two draws, and two losses since the Premier League season restarted. Entering Monday, July 20, 2020, Liverpool are the best home club in the Premier League thanks to an unbeaten 17-1-0 record and 52 points.
Chelsea faced off against Manchester United in the FA Cup semifinal and came away with a convincing 3-1 victory. Olivier Giroud got the scoring starting with a nice flick on at the 45+11th minute of the first half. Mason Mount took advantage of a David de Geo howler to give Chelsea a 2-0 lead and then Harry Maguire scored an own goal to make it 3-0 for the Blues. Bruno Fernandes scored a consolation penalty to get one back for United in the 85th minute. The Blues now have seven wins and two losses since the English season restarted. Chelsea are the fourth best road club thanks to a 9-3-6 record and 30 points.
Series History: These two clubs have met 183 times in the pat and Liverpool holds a 77-42-64 advantage. Liverpool won the reverse fixture 2-1, but Chelsea got their revenge with a 2-0 win in the FA Cup Round of 16.
Soccer Predictions: I see this one ending in a draw.
2020 Results: 85-71