Chelsea return to Premier League action on Saturday evening as this time they play host to Liverpool following the Blues’ late victory at Anfield in midweek.
This will be one of Maurizio Sarri’s toughest tests of the season as Chelsea must face a full strength Liverpool side with a 100% record in the league instead of a side with eight changes.
Puskas winner Mo Salah was rested on Wednesday as was Roberto Firmino, so both will be in good condition to face the Chelsea defence at the weekend.
However Chelsea also made changes, Marcos Alonso, Eden Hazard, Jorginho and N’Golo Kante the biggest names to be left out of the starting line-up. Willian and Azpilicueta were arguably the only first team players to start.
Hazard’s incredible winner shows he is probably the form player in England right now, and Stamford Bridge should play host to a real show on Saturday.
Liverpool have Virgil Van Dijk as a slight doubt after he sustained a bruised rib and Dejan Lovren will have to pass a late fitness test. Oxlade-Chamberlain and Adam Lallana will definitely be unavailable for the Reds.
For the London side Tony Rudiger is a major doubt with a groin strain and Pedro is doubtful with a shoulder injury and therefore Sarri will probably start Willian.
In previous meetings, Chelsea are unbeaten against Liverpool in four, winning the previous two. However, Jurgen Klopp’s side have won two of their previous three games at the Bridge.
With both sides having unbeaten domestic records and an attacking style of play surely something will have to give?
CHLESEA PREDICTED LINE-UP, 4-3-3
Kepa
Azpilicueta, David Luiz, Cahill, Marcos Alosno
Kovacic, Jorginho, Kante
Willian Giroud, Hazard.
Sarri will probably stick with target man Giroud to support the inform Hazard as Morata seems bereft of all confidence and ability.
I think as Rudiger is a major doubt, it may be club captain Gary Cahill to start.
As for Liverpool they will want to keep as much of their wining side as possible.
LIVERPOOL PREDICTED LINE-UP 4-3-3
Alisson
Alexander-Arnold, Van Dijk, Matip, Robertson
Milner, Keita, Wijnaldum
Salah, Firmino, Mane.
Liverpool’s midfield is difficult to predict, Keita may start but it may be Henderson. Robertson and Alexander-Arnold are almost certain to start after their seasons so far.
Klopp’s front three should be in the first eleven but after Xherdan Shaqiri’s first half last week he may feature at some part.
The attacking threats both teams pose should make for an interesting match but I just can’t see a winner in this match. It should be a close match full of goal-mouth action.
I will plump for an optimistic Desmond draw, 2-2.
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