Chelsea FC have the opportunity to return to winning ways when they host Liverpool in Sunday’s Premier League encounter at Stamford Bridge. The Blues recently suffered a disappointing 1-0 defeat to Valencia in the Champions League opener and they now have a tougher test against Jurgen Klopp’s side, who are leading the league standings.
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Predicted Lineup:
Kepa Arrizabalaga has been the undisputed pick for the goalkeeping duties and no changes are expected for the Reds clash, barring a fitness concern for the Spaniard.
At the back, Frank Lampard will most certainly stick with the three-man central defence which has provided a sense of assurance in terms of the defensive performances.
Kurt Zouma, Andreas Christensen and Fikayo Tomori are expected to start with Antonio Rudiger struggling with a groin concern. Similarly no changes are expected in the wing-back and midfield positions from the midweek game.
Emerson has returned to training after his thigh injury but Lampard may stick with Alonso, who provided more going forward without the burden of additional defensive duties.
N’Golo Kante has likewise returned to first-team training after a month but Lampard may not take a risk with the Frenchman, given an ankle sprain which has troubled him for the past few weeks.
Further forward, Willian will most likely occupy one of the attacking options and we are fancying a return to the starting XI for Christian Pulisic with Mason Mount a major doubt with an ankle complaint.
Upfront, Lampard has the temptation to play Olivier Giroud, who has a stunning record against the Reds with seven goals from 14 meetings but he should lean towards Tammy Abraham, given the youngster has netted seven times in the past three league games alone.