Liverpool Starting XI vs Chelsea: Confirmed Team News and Predicted Lineup | OneFootball

Liverpool Face Chelsea Test with Title in Hand but Eyes on the Future

Rotations Begin as Slot Plans for Life After the Crown

With the Premier League title wrapped up and the red ribbons securely tied, Liverpool arrive at Stamford Bridge without the usual weight of expectation. But there is no sense of complacency in Arne Slot’s approach. Instead, opportunity becomes the currency of choice.

The Dutchman has made it clear that the final fixtures of the campaign will be about more than ceremonial farewells or lap-of-honour strolls. They will serve as auditions. The road to next season starts now, and Chelsea—still grappling for identity and consistency—will play their part in what feels more like a prelude than a climax.

“My lineups will be different to what we’ve had the last 10 months, (we) won’t change everyone but there will be some rotation. Not to say we will lose, we have a lot of trust in those (players),” Slot said.

This weekend, that likely means a reshuffled Liverpool side where youth and fringe talent are given centre stage—without relinquishing ambition.

Federico Chiesa and Harvey Elliott to Stake Their Claims

Among the most eagerly anticipated names in the discussion is Federico Chiesa. Rarely seen in red this season, the Italian winger may yet prove himself more than a peripheral figure. With supporters clamouring for a glimpse of what he might offer, this is as close to a blank canvas as he’ll get.

Photo: IMAGO

Harvey Elliott, meanwhile, is no stranger to Liverpool’s rhythm. But he has reached the point in his young career where flashes must become consistency. The club’s fanbase remains loyal, intrigued, but increasingly aware that potential only stretches so far.

“I think some of the players deserved to play earlier because they have trained so well and are good enough,” said Slot. “I see where they are looking ahead to next season a bit, but also because they deserve to play this season.”

Bradley Returns, Midfield Shake-Up Expected

There was good news on the fitness front, too, with Conor Bradley declared fit after a training knock ruled him out of the title-sealing 5-1 demolition of Tottenham.

“He will train with us today, so that’s the first start and let’s see how he does,” Slot said. “We expect him to be available. I don’t know if that means that he is available to start, but if all goes well today and tomorrow he will probably be in the squad, yeah.”

His inclusion—likely from the bench—adds depth to a defensive setup that may also include Kostas Tsimikas and Jarell Quansah. The midfield rotation carousel continues, with Wataru Endo, Curtis Jones, and Elliott all viable candidates to feature centrally. Ryan Gravenberch is also expected to anchor the spine, offering fluidity and presence.

Joe Gomez remains the only absentee as he recovers from hamstring surgery.

Predicted Liverpool XI for Premier League Clash with Chelsea

Predicted XI: Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Konaté, Van Dijk, Tsimikas; Gravenberch, Elliott, Jones; Salah, Chiesa, Diaz

Whether this reshaped Liverpool side delivers the polished control of champions or a looser, experimental rhythm, Stamford Bridge will offer the perfect arena to test foundations ahead of a new era.