Chelsea vs Liverpool predicted XI: 3-5-2 makes long-awaited return

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LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – AUGUST 28: Jorginho of Chelsea battles for possession with Harvey Elliott of Liverpool during the Premier League match between Liverpool and Chelsea at Anfield on August 28, 2021 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images) /

Cesar Azpilicueta (No. 28) Right wingback, Spain

Azpilicueta is going to have a huge part to play for the remainder of the season due to long-term injuries sustained by Ben Chilwell and James. It finally seemed as if the Spaniard was perhaps being slowly fazed out this year with the emergence of Chalobah along the back line. Nevertheless, the club captain isn’t going anywhere and his consistent performances when called upon every so often this season prove that theory. He’s out of a contract in the summer and drawing interest from clubs such as Barcelona, but he’s hopefully not going anywhere as he’s too important on and off the pitch at Chelsea. Azpilicueta’s ability to play in the center of a back three, as well the fullback and wingback spots on both sides, make him crucial to the team’s success going forward this year. Tuchel needs the one they call Dave.

Jorginho (No. 5) Central midfielder, Italy

Jorginho has been playing through pain and unfortunately, it showed against Brighton. The Italian was a part of the midfield duo that got steamrolled by the Seagulls. There was really no stability in the side until N’Golo Kante was introduced later in the match. Nevertheless, Kante is unlikely to be fit to start, especially against a pacey side like Liverpool. Tuchel will be forced to select the third-place Ballon d’Or finisher until Kante or Ruben Loftus-Cheek returns to match fitness.

Mateo Kovacic (No. 8) Central midfielder, Croatia

Mateo Kovacic has been one of Chelsea’s best players this season and there are really no two ways about it. The Croatian has six goal contributions already in just 17 matches. His carrying and ability to make penetrating runs from the midfield really benefit the play style of Romelu Lukaku. This has worked wonders at times this season and he was missed during the two months he was out with an injury and COVID-19. Alas, Kovacic is finally back to match speed and ready to tear the world up once again. He’ll be important in catching Liverpool out on the break with his excellent eye for his teammates’ runs in behind.

Marcos Alonso (No. 3) Left wingback, Spain

Marcos Alonso is tired right now. It’s just the second day of 2022, but that is perhaps the understatement of the year. The Spaniard has played in every game since Chilwell was injured late in the Juventus home tie. He was scheduled to get a rest against Brighton until James’ hamstring tear forced Tuchel to call on his reliable left wingback. Alonso hasn’t looked like himself lately, but hopefully the man for the big occasion can turn up once again on Sunday afternoon.

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