Jürgen Klopp’s champions will be presented with the Premier League trophy on the night but will first aim to preserve the club’s unbeaten Anfield record for a third successive league campaign.
Frank Lampard’s side, meanwhile, have their sights set on a top-four finish and remain in contention for a Champions League spot alongside Leicester City and Manchester United.
So, what can we expect from the Blues? We spoke to Premier League Productions and Chelsea TV presenter Olivia Buzaglo (@OliviaBuzaglo) to find out...
How do you view Frank Lampard’s first season in charge at the club?
There were no expectations at the start of the season, given the circumstances of losing Eden Hazard and having a transfer ban. At the time, everyone argued it was probably too soon for Lampard but the situation was right. I don’t think there could have been a better partnership in Frank Lampard and Jody Morris to take things forward. I think Lampard has exceeded all expectations: we’ve been in the top four since October and it would be absolutely devastating to drop out now, considering the season we’ve had. We always knew there were going to be high-highs and low-lows but it’s been a very mixed season. With the players we’ve had and the situation, I think he has done brilliantly.
Will Wednesday’s game be make-or-break for Chelsea’s top-four ambitions?
One hundred per cent. It was always in our hands, but Leicester’s result at Tottenham has lifted a little bit of pressure off us. Part of me feels that after that result against Arsenal, Liverpool are going to want to prove a point. They’re also getting the trophy, so I think they are going to be up for it. Chelsea play much better against the top-six sides and I don’t think they will lose, though. If they draw that game, I think they will be alright for the top four.
Who has been your player of the season?
Not a lot of people would know this if they don’t watch Chelsea every week, but Mateo Kovacic has been absolutely brilliant for us. Kante has been injured for a lot of the season, so he has stepped in. I saw glimpses of him in his first season at the club under Maurizio Sarri, but he has taken it to a whole new level this year. If he could add goals to his game, that would take him to an even higher level. As for this season, he has been the standout player.
Have you been impressed with Christian Pulisic and do you see him becoming a key player in 2020-21?
Definitely. I hadn’t watched much of Pulisic when he joined and I think – like with Kovacic – we’ve seen glimpses: he had a hat-trick against Burnley but he unfortunately got injured and missed a large chunk of 2020. He has come back since the break and looked a completely different player.
Hazard was always going to be irreplaceable as there are no players out there like him, but he is the closest you’ll come. When I watch him – although it’s not to the level of Hazard – I see little glimpses of Hazard in him. You look at the way he runs with the ball, his low centre of gravity and how he takes it past people like they’re not there. He’s only 21, people forget how young he is. In the past couple of games, he has grown into himself so much and I think he will be massive for us over the next few years.
What is the main lesson Chelsea will have learned this year that can be improved on next campaign?
What Chelsea have struggled with this season is grinding out results and grinding down teams. It has been the story of Chelsea’s season: having all of the ball, multiple chances and we don’t kill games off. I don’t know whether that is down to a lack of experience or just not being clinical enough in front of goal. If Lampard is going to take something into next season, it’s that. You have to improve on killing teams off. Sides will come to Stamford Bridge and stick 10 men behind the ball, but you’ve got to find ways to get around that issue.
Do you see the Blues challenging for the title next season?
I’m always optimistic at the start of a new season, but I just feel like the gap between Liverpool, Manchester City and the rest is so big right now. Manchester United are showing a little bit of intent to close it and I think next season, Chelsea and Manchester United will close that gap. I don’t think it will be as big next year. With the additions Chelsea have made, they will definitely improve the squad; they’re experienced players and are very good at what they do. I think the gap will be closed next season, but it will be the following one where Chelsea actually start challenging for the title again.
How impressed have you been with Liverpool’s title-winning team?
The way they’ve gone about this season and the attitude of the players – especially coming back from missing out so closely last year by a single point – has been impressive. To come back with the mentality they have shown and to absolutely walk the league – you have to say they deserve it. Liverpool and Klopp have to take a lot of credit.
How do you expect Chelsea to line up?
It’s a difficult one as we have been chopping and changing our formation like there’s no tomorrow. Lampard has been quite set on four at the back, but I just think – with the defenders we have – that three at the back may work better. Kante is not fit, so I fully expect Jorginho to play alongside Kovacic having both played so well against Manchester United. Cesar Azpilicueta has been brilliant this season, especially since Reece James has come in and given him that little bit of competition to up his game. They are three players I would start, along with Pulisic and Willian.
What is your score prediction – how do you see the game playing out?
I’m always really confident when we play Liverpool and I have no idea why. I just think we play well against better teams. I don’t necessarily think we will win because Liverpool just don’t seem to lose at Anfield, they have the trophy lift and I think they will be up for it. I will go for a 1-1 draw – which I would take!