That's the opinion of former Chelsea defender Mario Melchiot. The Blues lock horns with their Merseyside rivals for the second time this week after knocking them out of the Carabao Cup on Wednesday
Emerson Palmieri and Eden Hazard helped turn the Anfield tie in Chelsea's favour after ex-striker Daniel Sturridge had opened the scoring
That delivered a slight psychological blow to Liverpool but the Reds will return with a stronger side when the two go head-to-head in their league encounter at Stamford Bridge
And Melchiot expects the contest to be decided by which of the two teams takes their chances on the counter attack with Liverpool boasting the frightening triumvirate of Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane while Chelsea have Eden Hazard supported by either Pedro or Willian on the other flank
He even thinks that Chelsea's wide men are just as quick in transition as the away team's fleet-footed front-line
Melchiot, who spent five years with the west London club, told Premier League Productions that he thinks Chelsea will edge the tie 2-1 and explained: "[Why?] Because they're at home
"Even in a game like this, it's exciting and I know what it does to you as a Chelsea player - that's why I think the team will turn up
"They know that they only played one half and this is the second half they have to play now
"This is totally different. The preparation is different, the players on the field are going to be different and I think this game will be a tougher game for Chelsea to win
"It's going to come down to who comes out quickest. They almost balance each other out but the counter attacks are going to be so deadly
One makes a mistake and the other one is on the other side. "If you've got three forwards like Liverpool have set up, they're fast coming to the other side and then Chelsea are identical away from their striker not scoring with Willian on the right and Hazard on the left
"They can be at the opposition goal as quick as Salah and Mane, so it's going to be exciting
" Despite his confidence in his old club, Melchiot admits Liverpool are better prepared for the second clash in four days between the two teams
"The team that is better set and ready for this game, I have to say Liverpool looks a better force," the Dutchman continued
"In every position, I think he [Klopp] really took his time to get what he wanted and I think that is the only thing they have the upper hand
"Sarri came out too and said where they are right now is where he wants to be soon so he knows there's a lot of work that he still has to do
"We have seen it too. They still miss something, only Hazard dictating the team is great to watch but not good for your team
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