Chelsea predicted lineup vs Liverpool: 3 changes in 3-4-3 shape as Mudryk dropped

Chelsea play their second consecutive game at Stamford Bridge post the international break as Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool travel to the English capital to face the Blues. CFC’s 2-0 loss to Aston Villa on Saturday proved to be the final straw as Graham Potter was sacked on Sunday evening.

Initially, there were reports of Todd Boehly backing Potter but Chelsea released a statement that Potter has been sacked and Bruno Saltor will take charge of the first team. The timing of the sacking will surely leave many fans in splits as Chelsea have important games coming up.

The focus now will be who takes over the reins at Stamford Bridge as a manager like Julian Nagelsmann remains available. Over the course of next few days and weeks, CFC will be linked to a number of managers but for Saltor, the job is to lineup a competent Chelsea side that can extract the desired results.

Chelsea predicted lineup vs Liverpool

Goalkeeper: Kepa Arrizabalaga

Kepa was Potter’s preferred choice and will continue to CFC’s No.1 as Edouard Mendy still recovers from his shoulder injury. Kepa could have done very little to save the two Aston Villa goals but he will be hoping for a strong performance against the Reds.

Centre back: Trevoh Chalobah

Trevoh Chalobah trained as a right sided centre back in Chelsea’s back three prior to the Villa game but was not selected at all by Potter. Reece James played as the RCB in the last game but his best version will be unleashed when he is given the freedom to operate as a full back. To accommodate James in the wing back role, Chalobah must come in at RCB.

Centre back: Kalidou Koulibaly

Kalidou Koulibaly has been a regular starter in recent games as Thiago Silva remains sidelined with injury. The Senegalese has been performing much better than he was at the start of the season. Koulibaly will be tasked with negating the Liverpool frontline of Mohammed Salah, Darwin Nunez and Cody Gakpo.

Centre back: Benoit Badiashile

Potter’s decision to leave Benoit Badiashile out of the lineup was shocking. Badiashile has been Chelsea’s best CB after Silva this season and choosing him over Marc Cucurella raised eyebrows. Cucurella had a disappointing game against Villa and starting Badiashile over the Spaniard should be the right choice.

Right wing back: Reece James

Ruben Loftus-Cheek has been ineffective playing as a wing back. James played as an RCB but got forward on several occasions. If he is given the chance to surge forward, the Englishman is able to produce quality crosses and get into dangerous positions.

Central midfield: Enzo Fernandez

Enzo Fernandaz has become a household name in the Chelsea team. He threads pin point passes and wins the ball back in the middle. The Argentine might not have goals and assists to show but he has been one of Chelsea’s most reliable players since signing for them in January.

Central midfield: Mateo Kovacic

Mateo Kovacic and Fernandez have formed a solid partnership that often works well in the middle. N’Golo Kante returned to the pitch after eight months, coming on as a substitute against Villa. However, his load needs to be managed and it is unlikely that Kante will start against Liverpool. The Frenchman may play some part against the Reds coming on as a substitute.

Left wing back: Ben Chilwell

Ben Chilwell has arguably been Chelsea’s best player against Aston Villa. The full back got into scoring positions and made great forward runs. Chiwell has been playing exceptionally well and should carry his form against Liverpool.

Right wing: Kai Havertz

Havertz will not necessarily operate as a winger. The German has a tendency to play slightly off the right and that is indeed the best position as he likes to get into the right inside areas.

Striker: Joao Felix

Although, Joao Felix will start as a forward, the Chelsea front three is fluid and keeps on interchanging. Havertz and Felix will interchange positions and try and score goals. The Portuguese will have his work cut out as getting the ball past Allisson won’t be easy.

Left wing: Christian Pulisic

Mykhailo Mudryk was underwhelming in the last game and should be dropped from the lineup. Instead Pulisic deserves to get a go ahead of the Ukrainian.

Will Chelsea win against Liverpool?