Former Liverpool striker Peter Crouch has delivered his verdict on this weekend’s Premier League clash between Chelsea and Liverpool – and he isn’t giving the Blues much of a chance.

Speaking on That Peter Crouch Podcast, the ex-England international backed his old club to bounce back strongly after a difficult week.

Liverpool’s title defence took a hit with a dramatic 2-1 defeat to Crystal Palace, when Eddie Nketiah struck a stoppage-time winner at Selhurst Park. To make matters worse for the Reds, Arsenal kept the pressure on by coming from behind to beat Newcastle just 24 hours later, closing the gap at the top of the table.

With the race for the title heating up, Crouch believes Arne Slot’s men – still reeling from a midweek setback against Galatasaray in the Champions League – will look to make a statement at Stamford Bridge.

“Obviously with Arsenal winning in the last minute, it feels like they’re in the ascendancy a little bit,” Crouch said.

“Liverpool probably need a reaction, but it’s a tough place to go, obviously, at Chelsea. I do think Liverpool will get a result here, though.”

Despite acknowledging the difficulty of facing Chelsea at the Bridge, Crouch ultimately predicted a comfortable away win for his former club.

Pressed for a scoreline, he didn’t hesitate: “I’m going in! I’m going to go 3-1 Liverpool.”