By Kato Jamil
Liverpool will be without two first-team players for Sunday’s Premier League clash against Chelsea at Anfield.
Goalkeeper Alisson Becker is sidelined after being forced off with a hamstring injury during the 1-0 win over Crystal Palace before the international break, while Harvey Elliott is not ready to return from a fractured foot he sustained while playing for the England Under-21s last month.
Now, the Dutchman has already confirmed that Caoimhin Kelleher will replace Alisson in between the sticks after illness and it’s expected that the Republic of Ireland international will line up behind a back four of Trent Alexander-Arnold, Ibrahima Konate, captain Virgil van Dijk and Andrew Robertson.
Assuming Mac Allister is fit to play, he should continue alongside Ryan Gravenberch in central midfield, but there is a decision to make as to who operates in the No10 role behind the main striker.
Last time out, Curtis Jones got the nod over Dominik Szoboszlai against the Eagles, but the latter should be full of confidence after netting a brace for Hungary during the week and could be rewarded with a recall.
Summer signing Federico Chiesa could be available again after not making the Liverpool matchday squad at Selhurst Park but he’s unlikely to dislodge Mohamed Salah from the starting lineup and the same goes for Darwin Nunez as Diogo Jota is the preferred option to lead the attack.
Predicted Liverpool XI (4-2-3-1):Â Kelleher; Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Mac Allister, Gravenberch; Salah, Szoboszlai, Diaz; Jota
Doubts: Mac Allister, Tsimikas, Endo, Chiesa
Injured:Â Alisson, Elliott.
Chelsea Predicted Lineup vs Liverpool (4-2-3-1)
GK: Robert Sanchez –Â Sanchez’s recent indifference may spark calls for Filip Jorgensen to come in, but the Spaniard remain Maresca’s first choice for the time being.
RB: Malo Gusto –Â Captain Reece James is in contention for the first time this season having recovered from a hamstring injury, but it’d be a surprise to see him come straight into the starting XI. Minutes off the bench are more likely with Gusto set to keep his place.
CB: Tosin Adarabioyo –Â Wesley Fofana’s suspension means there will be a chance for summer arrival Tosin, who’s received the bulk of his minutes in Europe this term.
CB: Levi Colwill –Â There will be a few changes to Chelsea’s backline, but England international Colwill will remain at the heart of it.
LB: Renato Veiga –Â Marc Cucurella is also suspended and there are doubts over Ben Chilwell’s status for this one. Veiga, who’s impressed as a versatile defensive operator in Europe, is set to make his first Premier League start on Sunday.
CM: Enzo Fernandez –Â Enzo is on the clock, with Chelsea supporters starting to lose patience with the absurdly expensive midfielder. Romeo Lavia is knocking on the door having returned from injury before the break.
CM: Moises Caicedo –Â Caicedo has enjoyed a bright start to the season and he’s going to have to be at his absolute best this weekend against a distinctly fluid Liverpool midfield.
RM: Noni Madueke –Â It’s been a productive start to the season for Madueke – now an England international. The winger scored during Chelsea’s 1-1 draw with Nottingham Forest two weeks ago.
AM: Cole Palmer –Â After a subdued break with the national team, Palmer will be keen to dominate on the big stage this weekend.
LM: Jadon Sancho –Â Sancho looks at home in west London, and he’s made this spot in Maresca’s XI his own. He’ll see plenty of Trent Alexander-Arnold in this one.
ST: Nicolas Jackson – Jackson’s got to be crafty against an excellent Liverpool centre-back pairing. The Chelsea striker has four Premier League goals to his name this term and he should be fresh for this one after skipping international duty.
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