Chelsea will be bidding to make it two successive wins on the bounce in the Premier League when they make the trip to Anfield to face Liverpool on Saturday afternoon.
The Pensioners got back to winning ways last time out against Crystal Palace thanks to a solitary goal scored by Kai Havertz in the second half. Graham Potter would have been relieved to see his team pick up all three points after coming under immense pressure in recent weeks.
Sitting tenth in the table, Potter’s Blues could deliver a knockout blow to any hopes Liverpool have of making a late run to the European spots, although facing Jurgen Klopp’s side at Anfield should be a stern test.
Chelsea Team News
Mykhailo Mudryk is in contention to make his debut having joined his new teammates in training. Reece James and Ben Chilwell have handed Graham Potter a double-injury boost by returning to training on Tuesday, although the full-backs are unlikely to make the trip to Liverpool.
Denis Zakaria has become the latest Chelsea player struck down by injury, joining the likes of Raheem Sterling, Christian Pulisic, N’Golo Kante, Wesley Fofana, Edouard Mendy and Armando Broja on the treatment table.
Meanwhile, Joao Felix will serve the second of his three-game ban, having picked up a straight red card on his Chelsea debut against Fulham for a reckless challenge on Kenny Tete.
Predicted Chelsea Lineup vs Liverpool (4-2-3-1)
Goalkeeper
Kepa Arrizabalaga would have been relieved to keep a clean sheet last time out against Crystal Palace after leaking goals in recent weeks. The Spaniard will be determined to shut the shop as quickly as possible at Anfield.
Defence
Graham Potter is set to retain a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Benoit Badiashile partnering Thiago Silva at the heart of Chelsea’s backline. Cesar Azpilicueta’s experience could be preferred over Trevoh Chalobah’s youthfulness at right-back, with Lewis Hall expected to keep Marc Cucurella on the bench again after impressing at left-back against Crystal Palace.
The Blues’ backline will have to be focused throughout the 90 minutes to keep the Liverpool forwards at bay on Saturday.
Midfield
Up ahead in midfield, Potter could hand Mateo Kovacic a start after the Croat came off the bench in the 1-0 win over Palace. Kovacic will form the double pivot with Jorginho in the centre of the pitch, which means Conor Gallagher should drop down to the bench.
Carney Chukwuemeka will get another chance to impress, with the teenager tasked to link play between midfield and attack from the No.10 position. The trio of Jorginho, Kovacic and Chukwuemeka have to be composed and decisive on the ball if they are to dominate Liverpool in midfield.
Attack
Mason Mount should retain his place on the left flank, hoping to get involved in Chelsea attacks more than he did against Palace. Hakim Ziyech will look to cause problems from the right, with Kai Havertz—Chelsea’s match-winner last time out, leading the attack once again ahead of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
New signing Mykhaylo Mudryk will hope to catch the eye from the bench against Liverpool if called upon by the manager.
