Predicted Chelsea line-up to face Liverpool in the League Cup
Chelsea’s unbeaten run in the Premier League came to an end as the Blues were held to a 0-0 draw by West Ham United away from home. Despite enjoying most of the possession, Maurizio Sarri’s men found it difficult to break down a resolute West Ham defence that did not allow too much space for the attackers to work with.
Chelsea have a doubleheader against Liverpool, the first of which is the League Cup tie at Anfield on Wednesday. Given that Sarri did not make too many changes to his first-team line-up when Chelsea played the Europa League game, he is unlikely to rotate his squad to a great extent against Liverpool.
Team News
Pedro did not feature against West Ham following a shoulder injury he suffered in the Europa League and is doubtful to be a part of the matchday squad for the League Cup tie.
Antonio Rudiger picked up a groin injury against West Ham and is unlikely to be available for selection on Wednesday.
Predicted Chelsea XI to face Liverpool
Manager: Maurizio Sarri
Formation: 4-3-3
Kepa Arrizabalaga (GK)
The Spaniard looked solid between the sticks against West Ham and made a couple of good saves. He should retain his position in the starting line-up.
Cesar Azpilicueta (RB)
The Spaniard had another good game over the weekend and looked solid and composed at the back. Sarri should hand him a start ahead of Davide Zappacosta.
David Luiz (CB)
The Brazilian has been poor at the back this season but had a decent game against West Ham. Sarri should continue to give him starts to allow him to grow in confidence.
Gary Cahill (CB)
The veteran came on as a substitute for the injured Antonio Rudiger over the weekend and should receive a start against Liverpool on Wednesday.
Marcos Alonso (LB)
Chelsea’s standout performer of the season put up another all-round display against West Ham. Given that he has been in great form, Sarri must not bench him.
Ross Barkley (LAM)
The English international came on as a substitute over the weekend and added some energy to the attack. Sarri should hand him a start ahead of Mateo Kovacic, who did not make much of an impact going forward.
Jorginho (CM)
He has been the most accurate passer in Chelsea’s midfield and has successfully kept the ball ticking with his wide range of passing. Should start against Liverpool.
N’Golo Kante (RAM)
The Frenchman was his usual energetic self in the midfield over the weekend. He broke up the play with some crucial interceptions and carried the ball forward with purpose. Must feature in the starting line-up.
Willian (RW)
The Brazilian looked quite good with his quick passing and subtle runs behind the defence against West Ham. He combined well with Hazard and should start on Wednesday, given that Pedro might not be fit enough to start.
Eden Hazard (LW)
Chelsea’s indispensable weapon in the final third has been in tremendous form this season. He is an automatic selection for Sarri.
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Olivier Giroud (ST)
The Frenchman did not have the best of games against West Ham but has established himself as the perfect target man for the Blues. Given that Morata has misfired this season, Sarri should hand him another start.
