Alan Shearer makes Enzo Maresca prediction if Chelsea lose to Liverpool

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Saturday will be Chelsea’s toughest proposition of the campaign so far, facing off against champions Liverpool.

Neither team comes into this tie full of confidence. Despite notching a first Champions League win during the week, Chelsea haven’t been at their best, having lost their last two league games.

Liverpool suffered their first defeat of the season against Crystal Palace, and followed it up with a midweek loss to Galatasaray.

Both sides will be looking to make a statement this weekend, and it should make for a gripping encounter. Alan Shearer has previewed the tie, sharing his thoughts on what this tie means for Enzo Maresca.

Alan Shearer says Enzo Maresca can’t afford to lose

As he does for Metro before every round of Premier League fixtures, Shearer has given his prediction for this tough game, basing it on the idea that neither side can afford another loss.

For Liverpool, it would be discouraging to lose again and could raise concerns around the side’s ability to go all the way again this season. But for Maresca and Chelsea, it could be much worse.

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He says: “It’s a great game. Liverpool can’t lose three on the spin – they’re the defending champions and pre-season title favourites – and if Chelsea lose three league games on the spin, Maresca is under huge pressure as well.”

And that’s what the former striker is letting inform his prediction.

He thinks the importance for both teams of avoiding a loss will mean it ends in a draw, as he explains: “I’ll probably sit on the fence because of the importance of both teams not losing the game.”

Shearer is clearly expecting a tight contest at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea shouldn’t be judged too much off Liverpool result

As much as Shearer is right in suggesting that a loss would put the Chelsea boss back in the hot seat, should it?

The two recent league defeats came as a result of red cards, and it seemed rash to judge Maresca on that.

Similarly, a loss to Liverpool shouldn’t be the last straw. This was the best side in England last season.

Of course, a loss would be far from ideal, but the performance is what should determine how much pressure Maresca is under, not just the result. If every time Chelsea lose, the pitchforks come out, it puts unnecessary pressure on both the coach and the players.

Better to look at this game for what it is. A difficult test, but also an opportunity to secure a result that would lift spirits at the club.