Former Liverpool striker Michael Owen believes that the Reds could have one crucial advantage over Chelsea heading into the Premier League clash at Anfield.

The TV pundit believes the Reds having two days extra to prepare for the game on Sunday could prove decisive:

“Chelsea are in Europa League action in Prague on Thursday having comfortably disposed of West Ham on Monday night courtesy of another Eden Hazard masterclass.”

“Liverpool will have an extra 48-hours to prepare for the game and I expect to see the Reds – unbeaten in their last 37 PL games at Anfield – keep the points.”

With Chelsea having made a number of changes against Slavia Prague last night, including omitting Eden Hazard from the starting line up, the extra preparation may not be as important as Owen suggests.

Still, having five days to prepare for a home fixture, while the opponents have to travel both for the European tie and the Premier League fixture, could have some effect on the game.

With Manchester City playing Crystal Palace directly before them at the weekend, the Reds will likely kick off their match against the Blues in second place.

Liverpool fans may still be thinking of their last title race in 2013/14 when a home defeat to Chelsea effectively cost them the title. They will be hoping for a different result this time around.