Chelsea got off to winning start overcoming a difficult Brighton & Hove Albion to win 3-1 at the AMEX Stadium.
Chelsea face an early test as they welcome the defending champions Liverpool in their first home game of the 2020-21 season. The champions overcame Leeds United in an exciting contest as Salah secured the three points with a late penalty in the game.
The Blues were lucky to win the match by 3-1 scoreline as Brighton looked dangerous in major parts of the game. The Seagulls failed to punish the visitors for their poor defensive displays. But Chelsea must not repeat the same against the Reds as their front three of Salah, Mane and Firmino are lethal and will not fail to convert the chances created by Alexander-Arnold and Andy Roberston.
With that in mind, here’s how Chelsea could lineup against Liverpool:
GOALKEEPER: Kepa Arrizabalaga
Unfortunately for Chelsea fans Kepa is in prime contention to start the all important game against the defending champs. Kepa continued his terrible displays from last season against Brighton & Hove Albion were he conceded a goal from long range shot. Edouard Mendy’s arrival is going to happen but it will take some time as the two clubs haven’t agreed on a deal yet.
DEFENDERS: Reece James, Kurt Zouma, Andreas Christensen, César Azpilicueta
After a mediocre display by Marco Alonso against a young Tariq Lamptey, club captain Azpilicueta will return to starting lineup playing as left-back providing more protection to a shaky Blues defense. Reece’s amazing performance against Brighton means he will start at right-back slot while Zouma and Christensen will complete the back four as new signing Thiago Silva has had only one session of training at Cobham.
MIDFIELDERS: Jorginho, N’Golo Kanté, Mateo Kovacic
Chelsea’s Player of the Season, Mateo Kovacic missed the fixture against Brighton with suspension, meaning he starts the match while vice-captain Jorginho will continue to play in the midfield alongside the ever reliant World Cup winner N’Golo Kante.
FORWARDS: Kai Havertz, Timo Werner, Mason Mount
The Blues’s new No.10 and clutch player Christian Pulisic should not be risked as he recovers from the injury he suffered against Arsenal in the FA Cup final. Kai Havertz had decent game against The Seagulls and he should start this game at right wing position while Timo will start the game despite the injury concerns and Chelsea’s most used player Mason Mount will start at left wing slot.
Predicted Chelsea XI vs Liverpool: Kepa Arrizabalaga; Reece James, Kurt Zouma, Andreas Christensen, César Azpilicueta; Jorginho, N’Golo Kanté, Mateo Kovacic; Kai Havertz, Timo Werner, Mason Mount
