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

Chelsea Hope for Fitness Boost Ahead of Liverpool Clash

As newly-crowned Premier League champions Liverpool prepare to visit Stamford Bridge, Chelsea are battling to have key players fit in time for what promises to be a high-stakes encounter on Sunday.

Robert Sanchez Return Would Steady Chelsea’s Defence

Robert Sanchez, who missed the midweek European tie after sustaining a knock during Chelsea’s 1-0 victory over Everton, could be available. His absence in the squad that travelled to Sweden for their Conference League semi-final first leg against Djurgarden raised concerns, but manager Enzo Maresca struck a hopeful tone.

“The medical staff are going to tell me something more [on Thursday],” Maresca said regarding Sanchez. “It’s exactly the same with Robert. He is working already on the pitch, so I think probably compared to Christo it’s a better situation, but we’ll see.”

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That comparison was to Christopher Nkunku, who also sat out the 4-1 win in Stockholm after suffering a training-ground issue. While both remain under assessment, Maresca’s comments suggest Sanchez is the more likely to return in time to face Liverpool.

Rotation Points to Strong Lineup Against Liverpool

Chelsea’s approach in Sweden made clear their priorities. Maresca made eight changes to his starting XI and further rotated at half-time, utilising the depth of his squad to keep legs fresh. The midweek win also saw Malo Gusto make the bench after recovering from a hamstring injury, a timely boost for Chelsea’s defence.

Romeo Lavia did not feature as he was ineligible for European competition, meaning he will be available to feature this weekend. Meanwhile, there’s cautious optimism that Noni Madueke, who was substituted at the break in Stockholm, will be fit. His early withdrawal hints he could be in line to start alongside Pedro Neto.

Jadon Sancho, despite travelling, appears to have fallen behind in the wide options for now.

Predicted XI Suggests Intent from Maresca

Chelsea are expected to name a competitive lineup against Liverpool, who may still be basking in the glow of their Premier League title win but will not want to ease off in the final stretch of the season.

The likely XI for the hosts includes:Sanchez; Gusto, Chalobah, Colwill, Cucurella; Caicedo, Fernandez; Neto, Palmer, Madueke; Jackson.

The club still have an extensive injury list, with Nkunku, Wesley Fofana, Marc Guiu and Kiano Dyer Kellyman ruled out. Mykhailo Mudryk is also unavailable, with Sanchez the only doubt among those potentially returning.