With the end of the international break, Liverpool gets ready for the difficult phase of the season. The Reds are sitting at the top of the table after six wins in seven games and their next challenge will be against Chelsea on Sunday which will be played at Anfield.
Enzo Maresca’s team has started the season much better than last season under Mauricio Pochettino, in which the Blues were placed sixth in the Premier League with 66 points, securing a spot in the Conference League. The start of the 23/24 season was not the best for the Blues but things have changed since the new manager arrived at the club.
Chelsea for the moment is placed 6th with 14 points with one game less than the fourth and fifth spots, but the team hopes for the best outcome in tomorrow’s game at Anfield.
KIRKBY, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 18: (THE SUN OUT, THE SUN ON SUNDAY OUT) Liverpool during a training session at AXA Training Centre on October 18, 2024 in Kirkby, England. (Photo by Nikki Dyer – LFC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
On the other hand, Arne Slot and his team will try once again to keep their great form alive to stay at the top of the table, having Manchester City and Arsenal behind their back with only one point less.
The great news for the Reds is the return of the summer signing Federico Chiesa, who could not feature in Liverpool‘s last two matches due to an injury, but in the latest reports is being said that he will be available for the clash against Chelsea.
Three main players are expected to miss tomorrow’s match for the Blues. Marc Cucurella, Wesley Fofana, and Omari Kellyman will be on the sidelines, unable to help the team against the best Premier League team at the moment.
Liverpool will miss their main goalkeeper Alisson Becker, who suffered an injury in the last 1-0 win against Crystal Palace. The Brazilian left the pitch in pain in the 79th minute, and his return date is expected to be after the next international break in November.
Caoimhin Kelleher, who started in only two matches for the Reds, will start on goal due to Alisson’s absence. The Irishman had already shown his qualities when he started, gaining the trust from the manager and the team.
This is how Liverpool could lineup for the clash against Chelsea:
Caoimhin Kelleher in goal, in front of the keeper will start one of the best Premier League center-back partnerships of Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate. In the right-back position, Trent Alexander-Arnold, with Andrew Robertson in the left.
In the midfield, it’s expected to start the exceptional trio of Ryan Gravenberch, Alexis Mac Allister, and Dominik Szoboszlai. The front three could be created by Luis Diaz, leaving Cody Gakpo on the bench once again, along with Diogo Jota and Mohamed Salah.
The outcome of this match will be an important one for both sides who are aiming for the top of the league.
Liverpool’s predicted lineup against Chelsea: Caoimhin Kelleher, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Ibrahima Konate, Virgil van Dijk, Andrew Robertson, Ryan Gravenberch, Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai, Mohamed Salah, Diogo Jota, Luis Diaz.
Down below you can see the tweet from @liverpoolzoneX:
