Paul Merson has sparked confusion with his latest take on Liverpool's crucial Premier League clash against Chelsea this Saturday at Anfield.

The Reds are eyeing a spot in next season's Champions League, and a win over the struggling Blues—coupled with Bournemouth dropping points at Fulham—could seal the deal. But after a disappointing defeat to Manchester United, where Roy Keane slammed Liverpool's first-half performance at Old Trafford, Arne Slot's side has a point to prove against the FA Cup finalists.

In his weekly predictions for Sportskeeda, Merson called Saturday's match a "must-win game" for Liverpool, warning that another loss would shrink their lead over Bournemouth to just three points. "Arne Slot cannot afford to go into a situation where they put Champions League qualification for next season at risk," he wrote, while predicting a 2-0 win for the hosts.

Yet, in the same column, Merson seemed to flip the script. He suggested the recent dip in Liverpool's intensity is no surprise because "many of these players will have one eye on the World Cup." He added, "None of them want to be injured, and it is only a natural reaction, especially when Liverpool have nothing to play for at the moment."

So, which is it? A must-win battle for Champions League survival, or a squad with nothing left to fight for? It's a head-scratcher from the former Arsenal star, especially given Liverpool's rocky first half against United. Either way, all eyes will be on Anfield as the Reds look to prove Merson—and their critics—wrong.