Liverpool will host Chelsea at Anfield in their first big test of the new Premier League season this Saturday.
Both teams have won their opening two games of the season, and Chelsea will head into the clash with an extra spring in their steps after beating Arsenal away from home.
New signing Romelu Lukaku has started well, and he will be a threat to the Liverpool defence that has kept two clean-sheets in as many games.
Liverpool are yet to hit top gear this season as they comfortably saw out Norwich City and Burnley. Chelsea, however, will be a different test.
The Reds were beaten at Anfield when the two sides squared off last season, and will look to avenge that defeat against a strong Chelsea side.
Team News
Andy Robertson is back in training and is in contention to start the clash against Chelsea. It remains to be seen if he will replace Kostas Tsimikas in the Liverpool lineup.
Tsimikas has impressed in the opening two games of the season, so Jürgen Klopp has a tough decision to make regarding who will play at left-back.
Thiago Alcantara and Fabinho are also in line to play as it’s unlikely Klopp will go with the inexperienced Harvey Elliot against Chelsea.
James Milner is the only player who is unavailable after picking up an injury.
Predicted Liverpool Lineup vs Chelsea (4-3-3)
Goalkeeper
Alisson Becker should keep his place in the Liverpool lineup. The Brazilian was called into action against Burnley, and made some smart saves.
Defence
It would be a surprise if Klopp changes his centre-half partnership of Joel Matip and Virgil van Dijk. Ibrahima Konate and van Dijk is a tempting combination against a powerful player like Romelu Lukaku, but the Frenchman is yet to play a single minute.
Predicted Liverpool Lineup vs Chelsea | Premier League
Despite his impressive performances, Tsimikas make way for Robertson in the Liverpool lineup. The Scotland international is perhaps better equipped to deal with the threat of Reece James on the left flank.
Trent Alexander-Arnold should keep his place in the Liverpool team. He will be key for the Reds as Chelsea left wing-back Marcos Alonso has been an attacking threat.
Midfield
Fabinho is expected to return to the Liverpool lineup after missing the last game due to compassionate leave.
Naby Keita has been impressive in the Liverpool midfield, and he could complete the Liverpool three alongside Jordan Henderson.
Attack
Mohamed Salah, Diogo Jota, and Sadio Mane should once again form the attack. Jota has been impressive in the false nine role with his pressing and ability to take his chances.
Roberto Firmino is pushing for a start, but Jota could get the nod. Alternatively, Klopp could play Jota on the left and start Firmino upfront.
