Chelsea vs Liverpool: Confirmed Team News and Predicted Lineups | OneFootball

Chelsea v Liverpool: Team News, Rotation and Respect on Show

As Liverpool head to Stamford Bridge for Sunday’s Premier League showdown against Chelsea, the headlines are no longer about title pressure—but about preparation, opportunity, and a deserved celebration. With the championship already sealed in emphatic style following a 5-1 dismantling of Tottenham, Arne Slot now shifts focus to squad rotation, player development, and maintaining sharpness before the curtain falls on a historic campaign.

Slot Looks to the Future Without Taking Eyes Off the Present

Liverpool’s victory over Spurs last weekend confirmed what had looked inevitable for weeks: the Premier League trophy will be returning to Anfield. That clarity in outcome, though, hasn’t softened Slot’s competitive edge. His message is clear—Liverpool play to win, regardless of context. But now, he plans to broaden the cast of contributors for the final four games.

“We are going into these four games trying to win them all, of course,” Slot stated during Friday’s press conference. “That’s what we always want, that’s what every player that wears the Liverpool shirt should aim for: winning their game of football.”

Photo: IMAGO

He also emphasised that while some fresh faces will come in, this isn’t a concession of any kind. Instead, it’s a strategic rotation, mindful of both current form and future planning.

“We are not going to change everyone but there will be a few players that come into the team,” he added. “That’s not to say we are going to lose them – we have a lot of trust in the players we are going to play now as well.”

Slot was candid about the need to judge Liverpool’s campaign by the points tally rather than solely the fixture list. “I would judge us more on the amount of points we have now compared to teams that won it in the past four games before the end,” he said.

Returning Faces and Tactical Tweaks

Among the players likely to be reintroduced is Conor Bradley. The young full-back missed the win over Tottenham due to a minor issue but is expected to be in contention against Chelsea.

Slot provided a positive update: “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.”

Photo: IMAGO

Slot also acknowledged that these upcoming matches are a chance to reward players who’ve impressed in training and stayed patient across a demanding season.

“Some of them deserved to play already earlier this season because they have trained so well,” he said. “But I mainly chose the same players and I think this is also a moment to see where they are, also looking towards next season maybe a bit already.”

Liverpool Predicted XI: Alisson, Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk (C), Robertson, Gravenberch, Mac Allister, Szoboszlai, Salah, Diaz, Gakpo

Chelsea’s Readiness and European Hangover

Chelsea, meanwhile, come into the game on the back of a commanding 4-1 win over Djurgarden in the first leg of their UEFA Conference League semi-final. But with less recovery time, Enzo Maresca has fitness concerns of his own to manage.

“Just Marc Guiu and [Aaron] Anselmino are out,” said Maresca. “Christo Nkunku has a small problem… It is exactly the same for Robert Sanchez too… we will assess them both before Sunday.”

In terms of squad strength, Chelsea’s front line has recently shown signs of cohesion and confidence. The likes of Madueke and Sancho have been more involved, while midfielders like Dewsbury-Hall have provided balance and tempo.

Photo: IMAGO

Chelsea Predicted XI: Jorgensen, James, Chalobah, Colwill, Cucurella, Caicedo, Lavia, Fernandez, Palmer, Sancho, Jackson

Respect Where It’s Due

One element of tradition will remain untouched: Chelsea will form a guard of honour for the newly crowned champions. Maresca confirmed it without hesitation.

“It’s a tradition, it’s something you have to do, and we want to do,” he said. “They won the league, so they deserve that.”

That sense of respect will set the tone ahead of kick-off, but once the whistle blows, both teams have something to play for—Liverpool, a polished finish to a stellar campaign; Chelsea, the momentum and pride of a strong end under Maresca’s emerging leadership.