Paul Merson has revealed his prediction for Chelsea’s Premier League opener against Liverpool on Sunday.
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Jurgen Klopp takes his Liverpool side to Stamford Bridge on the opening weekend of the new season.
The Reds finished fifth in the Premier League last term, failing to qualify for the Champions League for just the second time under Klopp.
Chelsea, meanwhile, slipped to a dismal 12th-place finish but hope to make huge improvements under new boss Mauricio Pochettino.
Pochettino’s squad has been bolstered this summer by the likes of Axel Disasi, Nicolas Jackson and Christopher Nkunku, while Liverpool have signed Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai.
Chelsea and Liverpool are also in a transfer battle over Moises Caicedo, with the midfielder favouring a move to west London despite Brighton accepting a bid from the Anfield club worth £111m.
‘If Chelsea lose this game, nothing’s changed from last season,’ former Arsenal and England winger Merson told Sportskeeda.
‘Their biggest worry is their midfield – they’re quite bare in that department. The players that they’ve got are inexperienced, and they can’t afford another poor season.
‘I like Nicolas Jackson, and I think he’s a good player. I hope Raheem Sterling has a good season as well – he hasn’t really been at his best at Chelsea. He can make a difference for Chelsea and their top-four ambitions.
‘Liverpool also have issues with their midfield – I’m not sure even Klopp knows what his midfield combination is yet.
‘I don’t see Mac Allister as someone who’ll do a lot of running. Liverpool didn’t have legs in midfield last season and had to rely on youngsters for energy.
‘They need players who can win the ball back for them, and they need to get better off the ball. If Curtis Jones doesn’t start the season well, he’s going to find himself out of the team – there’s a lot of pressure on him.
‘That’s always the case with younger players – a few bad games and you’re moved on. We’ve seen it before with Mason Mount. If Jones carries on from last season, however, he’ll have a good time at Liverpool.
‘This game is crucial for both teams, and neither team will want to lose. If I was a Chelsea fan, I’d take a draw here.
‘Both teams will have a go, and a draw would be a good result for both Chelsea and Liverpool. I’m going for 2-2.’
After the Stamford Bridge clash, Chelsea turn their attentions to a London derby against West Ham, while Liverpool host Bournemouth.
MORE : Chelsea respond to Moises Caicedo rejecting Liverpool transfer move
MORE : Jamie Redknapp reacts to Moises Caicedo snubbing Liverpool for Chelsea
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