Chelsea predicted XI vs Liverpool: 4-3-3 in six-pointer

Jorginho, No. 5, Central midfielder, Italy

Jorginho was also very good against Palace. His distribution and his ball winning were great to watch.

Mateo Kovacic, No. 8, Central midfielder, Croatia

Kovacic came on for one minute against Palace, replacing Hakim Ziyech. There’s reason to believe that Potter probably opts for a three-man midfield to match Liverpool in the middle of the park. Kovacic will be key, though he hasn’t been great the last few weeks.

Conor Gallagher, No. 23, Central midfielder, England

Gallagher was one of CFC’s better players against Palace. He contested 23 ground duels, winning 14 of them, which is ridiculous. He created a clear cut chance and was consistent throughout the game. His passing and work rate would be invaluable, and he’d help make sure that Liverpool’s midfielders don’t get time and space when on the ball

Hakim Ziyech, No. 22, Right winger, Morocco

Ziyech was Chelsea’s best forward against Palace. His pressing from the front was excellent, winning 12/21 duels contested. He also created a clear cut chance, as well as provide the crucial game-winning assist. The Blues’ sharpest attacker on the day, and had a hand in every good thing that happened in the final third.

Mason Mount, No. 19, Left winger, England

Mason Mount likely returns to the side as a left winger, even though Mykhailo Mudryk may come on as a substitute, depending on how well the starters play. Mount also created a clear cut chance for Kai Havertz, who couldn’t quite get enough power on the ball that Mount crossed for him.

Kai Havertz, No. 29, Striker, Germany

Havertz was good against Palace. He got into several very good scoring positions, and finally scored the winning goal. Too much is being made of his missed chances.