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Chelsea predicted XI at Anfield: 3-4-3 makes a return

By Olaoluwa Nwobodo

LONDON, ENGLAND - JULY 19: Antonio Rudiger of Chelsea celebrates with his team after Harry Maguire of Manchester United scores an own goal to lead to Chelsea third goal during the FA Cup Semi Final match between Manchester United and Chelsea at Wembley Stadium on July 19, 2020 in London, England. Football Stadiums around Europe remain empty due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in all fixtures being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Andy Rain/Pool via Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - JULY 19: Antonio Rudiger of Chelsea celebrates with his team after Harry Maguire of Manchester United scores an own goal to lead to Chelsea third goal during the FA Cup Semi Final match between Manchester United and Chelsea at Wembley Stadium on July 19, 2020 in London, England. Football Stadiums around Europe remain empty due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in all fixtures being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Andy Rain/Pool via Getty Images) /
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LONDON, ENGLAND – JULY 19: Antonio Rudiger of Chelsea celebrates with his team after Harry Maguire of Manchester United scores an own goal to lead to Chelsea third goal during the FA Cup Semi Final match between Manchester United and Chelsea at Wembley Stadium on July 19, 2020 in London, England. Football Stadiums around Europe remain empty due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in all fixtures being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Andy Rain/Pool via Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – JULY 19: Antonio Rudiger of Chelsea celebrates with his team after Harry Maguire of Manchester United scores an own goal to lead to Chelsea third goal during the FA Cup Semi Final match between Manchester United and Chelsea at Wembley Stadium on July 19, 2020 in London, England. Football Stadiums around Europe remain empty due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in all fixtures being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Andy Rain/Pool via Getty Images) /

Chelsea travels to Anfield for the penultimate Premier League match with a chance to guarantee a Champions League spot with three points.

Chelsea travels to Liverpool where the Blues face a side that is deep in celebrations. Liverpool does not seem to be bothered about anything else at the moment, but don’t let that fool you, they will be up for this one.

Lampard has had success with the 4-3-3 against Liverpool, but Chelsea look really comfortable in the 3-4-3, especially with the ability to stretch the opponent while still being solid defensively. Who will Lampard trust to bully the Reds in front of the Kop?

Kepa Arrizabalaga (No. 1) Goalkeeper, Spain

Arrizabalaga was rested against Manchester United in the FA Cup semifinal, but he kept a clean sheet in his last appearance. Therefore, it is unlikely that his non-appearance against Manchester United is punitive. The uncertainty around the Spaniard is growing, word is that the Blues may not even move him on before getting another goalkeeper. It would be better to put resources into improving him than spending on another keeper. Jan Oblak is in the rumor mill, that is a potential €120 million deal. Chelsea would be breaking the goalkeeping transfers record twice. Meanwhile, the Blues’ current No. 1 will have to do against Liverpool.

Cesar Azpilicueta (No. 28) Right centerback, Spain

Is there anything captain fantastic cannot do? Azpilicueta is comfortable anywhere in Chelsea’s back line and it would benefit players like Reece James, who need game time under their belt, while also being mentored by the best professional in London. For this reason, he gets another nod.

Antonio Rudiger (No. 2) Centerback, Germany

Rudiger was solid in his last two appearances for Chelsea. A clean sheet against Norwich and what was almost a clean sheet against Manchester United—if it weren’t for the silly penalty given away by Callum Hudson-Odoi. His partnership with Kurt Zouma so far has not given Lampard any reason to change it, so expect him to start again. #Hustle

Kurt Zouma (No. 15) Left centerback, France

Chelsea’s most physically and aerially dominant player. He is unfortunately yet to score from a corner this season, but he’s due one. For someone whose reading of the game has always been good, it seems he has even improved that, as well. He has been making some perfectly timed interceptions that have saved Chelsea from some very embarrassing situations.

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