Liverpool will hope to make up for their exit from the Carabao Cup when they take on Chelsea in the Premier League this Saturday. Despite taking the lead, the Reds were at the wrong end of a dodgy referring decision and a sublime Eden Hazard goal that condemned them to their first defeat of the season.
Jürgen Klopp made quite a few changes and a lot of the players were playing their first game of the season, let alone starting for the first time, so they weren’t at their fluent best. Although Chelsea weren’t at their full strength either, it could be a much more entertaining contest when the two strongest sides face off each other this weekend.
Liverpool Team News
Klopp would have liked to have Virgil van Dijk but it seems like the Dutchman might not return in time for the clash. He was taken off against Southampton following a rib issue and hasn’t trained this week, which suggests he might not take a part in the game.
Predicted Liverpool Lineup
Defence
Simon Mignolet did a decent job but he will be replaced by Alisson Becker in goal. The Brazilian could have his busiest evening tomorrow. Joel Matip is expected to replace van Dijk at the back and the Cameroonian will line up alongside Joe Gomez. Matip played pretty well against Southampton but will have big boots to fill when he replaces van Dijk.
Andy Robertson and Trent Alexander-Arnold were sorely missed in the midweek fixture as their pace and ability to provide the attacking impetus just wasn’t replace by the duo of Clyne and Moreno.
Midfield
The midfield lacked the cohesion as it was Fabinho’s first game for the side. He could be replaced by Gini Wijnaldum who has done a commendable job in the deeper midfield role this season. Jordan Henderson and James Milner are expected to complete the three-man midfield. The duo weren’t at their best against Chelsea in the Cup and will need to improve considering the Blues will have Jorginho back in the team.
Liverpool allowed Cesc Fabregas way too much time and space on the ball to spray passes and he wasn’t even 100% match fit since it was his first game of the season. They can’t afford to do the same against Jorginho.
Attack
Eden Hazard showed what he can do when in the mood and the Liverpool fans will hope that the returning duo of Roberto Firmino and Mohamed Salah can come up with the answers. Sadio Mane is expected to keep his place on the left wing.
Mane – Firmino – Salah
Milner – Wijnaldum – Henderson
Robertson – Matip – Gomez – TAA
Alisson
