Chelsea will need to overcome newly crowned Premier League champions Liverpool at Stamford Bridge on Sunday to maintain their bid for a top-five finish and Champions League qualification.
The Blues, buoyed by a convincing 4-1 victory over Djurgårdens in the first leg of the UEFA Conference League semi-final, will be aiming for a fourth consecutive win in all competitions. That result has significantly boosted confidence in Enzo Maresca’s squad as the season nears its climax.
Chelsea manager Maresca has confirmed that both Robert Sánchez and Christopher Nkunku face late fitness tests after missing the midweek European fixture. Meanwhile, Wesley Fofana (hamstring), Omari Kellyman (thigh), Marc Guiu (thigh), Aaron Anselmino (undisclosed), and Mykhailo Mudryk (suspension) remain sidelined.
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Despite having already secured the Premier League title in emphatic fashion, Liverpool are expected to remain competitive. Sunday marks Arne Slot’s first match since becoming the fifth manager in Premier League history to win the title in his debut season – and the first Dutchman ever to do so.
Slot has no fresh injury or suspension concerns but confirmed he would rotate his starting XI. Youngster Conor Bradley has resumed full training and may be in contention for selection against Chelsea.
Elsewhere, Aston Villa will welcome Fulham in another key fixture as the race for European spots continues to intensify.
