Headlining this weekend’s Premier League action, Liverpool and Chelsea face off at Anfield in what promises to be a thrilling encounter. Liverpool come into the game sitting at the top of the Premier League standings ahead of the weekend, riding a strong wave of form under new manager Arne Slot.
In contrast, Chelsea’s five-match winning streak was halted by Nottingham Forest last time out before the International break, but they remain in fourth place with a potent attacking record.
Both sides will have key absences due to injury and suspension, making their lineups a talking point ahead of Sunday’s clash. Liverpool will be without long-serving goalkeeper Alisson Becker, while Chelsea’s backline has been disrupted by the suspensions of Wesley Fofana and Marc Cucurella. With plenty at stake, let’s take a look at the predicted lineups for both teams.
With Alisson ruled out, Caoimhin Kelleher is expected to continue in goal for Liverpool. The defence should see the familiar quartet of Trent Alexander-Arnold, Ibrahima Konaté, Virgil van Dijk, and Andy Robertson. Liverpool’s midfield might be reshuffled due to international fatigue, with Curtis Jones and Ryan Gravenberch in line to start alongside Dominik Szoboszlai.
In attack, Mohamed Salah, who returned early from international duty, is a sure starter on the right. Diogo Jota could lead the line, with Cody Gakpo expected to fill in on the left flank. Alexis Mac Allister and Luis Diaz could be rested after heavy international schedules.
Kelleher; Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Jones, Gravenberch; Salah, Szoboszlai, Gakpo; Jota
Here is how the side last lined up
Chelsea Predicted Lineup
Chelsea will be forced into defensive changes with Wesley Fofana and Marc Cucurella suspended.
Axel Disasi is expected to partner Levi Colwill at centre-back, with Malo Gusto continuing on the right and Renato Veiga likely to slot in at left-back.
In midfield, Moisés Caicedo and Enzo Fernández are expected to anchor the team, while Noni Madueke, Cole Palmer, and Jadon Sancho provide attacking support. Nicolas Jackson should lead the line as Chelsea look to test Liverpool’s defence.
Sanchez; Gusto, Disasi, Colwill, Veiga; Caicedo, Fernandez; Madueke, Palmer, Sancho; Jackson
Here is how the side last lined up
