Starting XI Prediction: How Will Arne Slot Line Up as Liverpool Face Chelsea? | OneFootball

Liverpool vs Chelsea: Starting XI Prediction

The international break is finally over and Premier League football returns this week as Liverpool face Chelsea in a huge clash at Anfield. Both sides have made impressive starts to their domestic campaigns with both new head coaches, Arne Slot and Enzo Maresca, praised highly.

A victory for the Reds could potentially move them four points clear at the top of the table, depending on other results. With that being said, let’s take a look at our predicted lineup…

No Alisson? No Problem…

Slot will be forced into a change straight away when selecting his side to face Chelsea as Caoimhin Kelleher will come into the side to replace the injured Alisson Becker. The Brazilian picked up a hamstring issue in the Reds’ 1-0 victory over Crystal Palace before the international break and will likely be sidelined until late November.

Photo: IMAGO

Ahead of him, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andy Robertson will partner each other as the two full-backs. Naturally, Virgil Van Dijk will captain the side from the heart of the defence and will be joined by Ibou Konate.

Verdict: Kelleher, Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk (C), Robertson

Crucial Liverpool Star Missing?

In the midfield, Slot could be forced into another change. Firstly, Ryan Gravenberch will remain in the middle of the park and will look to continue his brilliant start to the season. Usually, he would be partnered by Alexis Mac Allister but the Argentinian has been struggling for fitness lately. However, hopefully the precautionary measures taken over his fitness will prove to be beneficial.

Photo: IMAGO

Dominik Szoboszlai will start as the most advanced midfielder and will be crucial in leading the press against a Chelsea defence that has typically been vulnerable so far this season. Curtis Jones will have to settle for the bench in this one unless there’s a negative update on Mac Allister, but will be eyeing a starting spot against RB Leipzig on Wednesday.

Verdict: Gravenberch, Mac Allister, Szoboszlai

Fully Rested Egyptian King

Liverpool received a huge boost during the international break as Mohamed Salah returned early, meaning he will be fully refreshed and raring to go on Sunday. On the opposite flank, Slot has both Luis Diaz and Cody Gakpo to choose from, but I expect the Colombian to get the nod for this one. Gakpo will likely be eyeing a starting role in Wednesday’s Champions League fixture.

Photo: IMAGO

Diogo Jota will lead the line down the middle, meaning Darwin Nunez will look to make an impact from the bench once again.

Verdict: Salah, Jota, Diaz

Starting XI: Kelleher, Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk (C), Robertson, Gravenberch, Mac Allister, Szoboszlai, Salah, Jota, Diaz

Bench: Jaros, Gomez, Quansah, Bradley, Tsimikas, Endo, Jones, Gakpo, Nunez