The Pride of London
Fansided

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

By Gabe Henderson

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - AUGUST 28: Sadio Mane of Liverpool battles for possession with Thiago Silva of Chelsea during the Premier League match between Liverpool and Chelsea at Anfield on August 28, 2021 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - AUGUST 28: Sadio Mane of Liverpool battles for possession with Thiago Silva of Chelsea during the Premier League match between Liverpool and Chelsea at Anfield on August 28, 2021 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 3
Next
Liverpool’s English defender Trent Alexander-Arnold (L) vies with Chelsea’s English midfielder Mason Mount (R) during the English Premier League football match between Liverpool and Chelsea at Anfield in Liverpool, north west England on August 28, 2021. (Photo by PAUL ELLIS/AFP via Getty Images)
Liverpool’s English defender Trent Alexander-Arnold (L) vies with Chelsea’s English midfielder Mason Mount (R) during the English Premier League football match between Liverpool and Chelsea at Anfield in Liverpool, north west England on August 28, 2021. (Photo by PAUL ELLIS/AFP via Getty Images) /

Kai Havertz (No. 29) Right striker, Germany

Kai Havertz has been absent from the team since the thrilling victory over Leeds United. The versatile forward caught COVID-19 for a second time recently and only just returned to training ahead of the Blues’ battle against Brighton. He didn’t get onto the pitch then as injuries forced Tuchel to make a number of defensive changes, but he’ll likely feature against Liverpool. Similar to Alonso, Havertz is a man for the big moment. His towering header gave Chelsea the lead at Anfield in the reverse fixture, so he’s got an important part to play against the Reds this time around too. Havertz is a suitable second striker and it’ll be interesting to see how he plays if partnered with the man who broke his record as the Blues’ record transfer this summer.

Mason Mount (No. 19) Central attacking midfielder, England

Mason Mount is one of Chelsea’s most important players. He nearly single-handedly dragged the Blues through the month of December when important figures like Lukaku were out of the team. Mount was relatively quiet against Brighton, but it’d be rare to see him absent for two consecutive games. He’s got a history of superb outings against Klopp’s men in the last few meetings, expect no different this time out. Mount could be utilized in a more attacking midfield role, tasked with providing service to the two strikers up top. Another worldie would be nice too.

Romelu Lukaku (No. 9) Left striker, Belgium

Lukaku has gotten a lot of attention over the last 72 hours due to an interview he gave a few weeks ago. It was immature, ill-advised and, for lack of a better term, idiotic. This has resulted in some tension between he and Tuchel that needs to be resolved sooner rather than later for the betterment of the team. The reality of the situation is that Lukaku needs to start in order for the Blues to have a chance to win every game right now. Chelsea is significantly worse off without its superstar No. 9. He needs to be punished behind closed doors, but he can silence all doubters with a goal or two against the Reds on Sunday.

Chelsea needs to bring back the 4-2-3-1 against Liverpool. dark. Next

Who do you think starts against Liverpool? Let us know in the comments or on Twitter!

Home/Premier League