(3-4-1-2) Nkuku and Felix to start”, Predicted Chelsea line up vs Liverpool – as Enzo Maresca vows to revenge last season defeat
Enzo Maresca will be forced to make at least two changes to Chelsea’s starting lineup when they face Liverpool in their upcoming Premier League fixture. This match comes after the October international break, and Chelsea will be eager to bounce back from a somewhat disappointing result in their last game. Prior to the break, Chelsea ended in a 1-1 draw against Nottingham Forest at Stamford Bridge, a performance they hope to improve upon.
Maresca’s hands are tied with the absences of two key defenders, Wesley Fofana and Marc Cucurella, both of whom are suspended. The duo will miss the Liverpool clash due to each accumulating five yellow cards over the season, triggering automatic one-match bans. They will be eligible to return to action when Chelsea meet Newcastle on October 27.
In Fofana’s place, Maresca is likely to turn to Tosin Adarabioyo, who has yet to fully establish himself at Chelsea since joining from Fulham during the summer transfer window. Adarabioyo has only featured once in the Premier League for his new club, but the circumstances could see him step into a crucial role in the defense as Chelsea prepare to visit Anfield.
Marc Cucurella’s suspension also opens the door for another player, possibly Renato Veiga, to slot into the left-back position. Veiga, who signed for Chelsea from Basel, recently earned his first cap for Portugal and has already made a handful of appearances for Chelsea. His international debut during the break will likely give him a confidence boost ahead of what could be a high-pressure game.
In another positive development for Chelsea, club captain Reece James could make his season debut against Liverpool after returning to full training this week. James has been sidelined due to injury for the entire season so far, and while Maresca is understandably keen to have his skipper back on the pitch, caution will likely be exercised to ensure James isn’t rushed back too soon and avoids any recurrence of injury.
On the offensive side, Chelsea have some exciting options, with Jadon Sancho continuing to impress since his move from Manchester United. Meanwhile, Noni Madueke has stood out as one of Chelsea’s top performers in recent games. Should Maresca opt for further tactical tweaks, he has a wealth of attacking talent to choose from, including Christopher Nkunku, Joao Felix, Pedro Neto, and Mykhailo Mudryk. Each of these players adds a different dynamic to Chelsea’s forward line and provides Maresca with plenty of flexibility.
A potential Chelsea starting lineup for the clash against Liverpool could look like this: Sanchez in goal, Gusto, Adarabioyo, Colwill, and Veiga in defense. Caicedo and Fernandez are expected to hold the midfield, with an attacking trio of Madueke, Palmer, and Sancho supporting striker Jackson up front.
This upcoming fixture will be a true test for Maresca’s squad, particularly with the key defensive absences, but with new faces ready to step up, and the return of their captain on the horizon, Chelsea will be looking to rise to the challenge against a strong Liverpool side.
