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Chelsea vs Liverpool predicted XI : Does Lukaku start in a 3-4-2-1?

By Olaoluwa Nwobodo

LONDON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 02: Mateo Kovacic of Chelsea celebrates after scoring their side's first goal during the Premier League match between Chelsea and Liverpool at Stamford Bridge on January 02, 2022 in London, England. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 02: Mateo Kovacic of Chelsea celebrates after scoring their side's first goal during the Premier League match between Chelsea and Liverpool at Stamford Bridge on January 02, 2022 in London, England. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images) /
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LONDON, ENGLAND – JANUARY 02: Mateo Kovacic of Chelsea celebrates after scoring their side’s first goal during the Premier League match between Chelsea and Liverpool at Stamford Bridge on January 02, 2022 in London, England. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – JANUARY 02: Mateo Kovacic of Chelsea celebrates after scoring their side’s first goal during the Premier League match between Chelsea and Liverpool at Stamford Bridge on January 02, 2022 in London, England. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images) /

Cesar Azpilicueta (No. 28) Right wingback, Spain

Cesar Azpilicueta is likely to have more defensive work to do than offensive work against Liverpool. He will have to first make sure Andy Robertson does not have a field day on Chelsea’s right flank. He has everything the Blues will need going forward, but he’ll have to first take care of some defensive work. Luckily, Azpilicueta is perhaps the best man for that job.

N’Golo Kante (No. 7) Central midfielder, France

Stop me if you’ve heard this one before … N’Golo Kante picked up the Man of the Match award in Chelsea’s last Champions League match. He deserved it too. If for nothing else, the way he took Silva’s pass in his stride, turned superbly and ran straight at Lille’s goal long enough to send the Lille defenders backpedaling and opening space for Kai Havertz and Christian Pulisic in the process, before slotting in Pulisic for a superb finish. That move alone, regardless of anything else Kante did in that match, deserves the award.

Mateo Kovacic (No. 8) Central midfielder, Croatia

Mateo Kovacic was one of Chelsea’s standout players the last time the Blues faced this familiar opponent. In fact, he scored a Goal of the Month in that match. Kovacic needed to be substituted off in the Lille match, but it seems as if his knock wasn’t major. He’s crucial for Chelsea in many ways, including the fact that no one in the team has created more big chances than him in the league for the Blues. He’ll help them press, relieve pressure and create chances. Who knows? He may score another worldie on Sunday.

Marcos Alonso (No. 3) Left wingback, Spain

Marcos Alonso has shown his reliability in the last few weeks. He came on and scored the winning goal against Plymouth Argyle in the extra time of the FA Cup fourth round. He also came on as a substitute and assisted Chelsea’s only goal in the Premier League game against Crystal Palace. A goal that was absolutely crucial. He did get caught out with some long balls over the top against Lille, and he’ll have to be more alert against lethal opposition like Liverpool.

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