Former Arsenal star Paul Merson has backed Chelsea to defeat Liverpool in Saturday's FA Cup final.
The two Premier League giants battled it out in the Carabao Cup final earlier this year, with the Reds winning on penalties after they played out an entertaining 0-0 draw. Now, Merson has weighed in ahead of the match, claiming Thomas Tuchel and Co will come out on top.
Writing for Sportskeeda, he said: "Marcus Alonso has produced some big moments for Chelsea over the years, but he is a player Liverpool could target.
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"If I'm being honest, he has no interest in defending, but he plays his own little game and can hurt Jurgen Klopp's side while going forward, so he'll be one to watch out for. When I first thought about this game, I was inkling towards a draw, but I fancy Chelsea to win it 2-1 as Fabinho's absence swings the game in the Blues' favour.
"The Carabao Cup final ended 0-0, but the amount of chances created on the night was absolutely mindblowing. Finally, if the game does go to penalties, I really hope Chelsea don't bring Kepa Arrizabalaga on.
"We saw what happened last time out and I think they'll be better of with Edouard Mendy, who has been a top-class addition to the side since his move from Rennes in 2020."
Merson's Prediction: Chelsea 2-1 Liverpool
However, former Liverpool defender Mark Lawrenson thinks Liverpool will defeat the reigning champions of Europe. "Usually with cup finals, I expect them to be really tight with extra time and maybe even penalties," Lawrenson wrote on his weekly BBC Sport Football predictions.
"Like we saw when these two teams met at Wembley in the Carabao Cup final in February. This time, though, I think Liverpool will win it pretty comfortably, and in normal time too, just because Chelsea are not at their best right now.
"I know Chelsea beat Leeds easily enough on Wednesday but I didn't see that as them returning to form. It was because Leeds had a player sent off.
"I was at Villa Park on Tuesday to watch Liverpool. They had some good moments, and a few ordinary ones but they still won.
"They are going through a bit of a patch where they are not at their very best, but they have still taken four points from their past two games - their record this year is still just amazing. So, Liverpool are favourites for me.
"They will be without the injured Fabinho, which is a blow, but Jordan Henderson will just come in there. Up front they can go with Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane and Luis Diaz.
"That's a forward line to win a cup final, because I don't see Chelsea keeping them out."
Merson's Prediction: Chelsea 0-2 Liverpool
