Chelsea predicted line-up vs Liverpool: three changes made amid Cole Palmer and Tosin updates
The latest Chelsea team news and predicted line-up ahead of the Premier League clash with Liverpool.
Chelsea will be looking to return to winning ways in the Premier League this weekend following their loss at home to Brighton and Hove Albion last time out in the league. The Blues are in for a tough test on Saturday evening against league leaders Liverpool. Their upcoming opponents won the title last season and are aiming to do the same again this time around under Arne Slot’s guidance.
Enzo Maresca’s men are sat in 8th place in the table after their first six fixtures. They have eight points on the board and are three off the top four. We’ve got all of the latest team news and injury updates ahead of the game against the Reds below, along with our prediction for Maresca’s likely starting line-up.
When will Cole Palmer be back for Chelsea?
Chelsea are without Cole Palmer at the moment which is a blow. The ex-Manchester City player has a groin injury and is sidelined until after the international break. The London club are hoping that he will be fit again when they make the trip to the City Ground on 18th October to face Nottingham Forest.
Defender Tosin Adarabioyo is sidelined for the London outfit. He has an issue with his calf that he sustained against Brighton. Like Palmer, the clash against Ange Postecoglou’s Forest has been pencilled in his for his expected return date so he can use the next couple of weeks to get back up to speed and full fitness.
Other players such as Andrey Santos and Wesley Fofana are also in the treatment room. The club have to follow concussion protocols with the latter after he picked up a blow to his head following a collision with goalkeeper Filip Jorgensen against Lincoln City in the Carabao Cup. Elsewhere, Liam Delap, Levi Colwill and Dario Essugo are more long-term absentees and Trevoh Chalobah is suspended after being sent off last Saturday against the Seagulls.
Will Reece James come back in for Chelsea?
Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sanchez should keep his place between the sticks against Liverpool. He has been their first choice between the sticks so far this season. Jorgensen provides back-up from the bench and is ready to be called upon when needed.
It wouldn’t be a surprise to see Reece James come back into the starting XI in place of Malo Gusto. He didn’t start in their last outing against Benfica in the Champions League. They went on to win 1-0 against the Portuguese giants.
The Blues are short of options at centre-back at the moment. Benoit Badiashille is likely to get the nod again from Maresca, with Jorrel Hato the most likely partner next to him. Marc Cucurella is set to keep his place at left-back and likes to get up and down the flank.
In the heart of midfield, Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez have been ever-present for Chelsea over recent times. Pedro Neto is enjoying plenty of game time right now, whilst Alejandro Garnacho will be pushing for a start again. Facundo Buonanotte can fill the void left by Palmer’s absence for the time being.
Up front, Joao Pedro has made a relatively positive impression since his switch from Brighton. He has injected more quality into their ranks. The Brazilian has two goals to his name so far this term and will be looking to add to his tally.
Full Chelsea predicted line-up vs Liverpool: Sanchez; James, Badiashille, Hato, Cucurella; Caicedo, Fernandez; Neto, Buonanotte, Garnacho; Pedro