(4-2-1-3) Chelsea starting XI against Liverpool revealed as Enzo Maresca makes heavy changes amid injury setbacks- £35m star gets a start in the attack and Reece james is surprisingly on bench
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca is set to make significant changes to his starting lineup ahead of the team’s upcoming Premier League clash with Liverpool. After the October international break, the Blues will be returning to action at Anfield, looking to bounce back from a 1-1 draw against Nottingham Forest in their last league match.
Maresca has been forced into making at least two alterations to the team that played against Forest, primarily due to suspensions. Defenders Wesley Fofana and Marc Cucurella will be absent as they serve one-match bans after each receiving their fifth yellow card of the season during the draw. This means that both players will miss the Liverpool match and will not be eligible for selection until Chelsea’s game against Newcastle on October 27.
In response to these defensive absences, Maresca is likely to call upon Tosin Adarabioyo to step into the central defensive role left vacant by Fofana. Adarabioyo, who joined Chelsea from Fulham during the summer transfer window, has only featured once in the Premier League this season, but this could be his opportunity to cement a starting role when Chelsea travel to Anfield.
Another possible adjustment could see Renato Veiga filling in at left-back to cover for Cucurella’s suspension. Veiga, who has recently made his international debut for Portugal, has been gradually integrated into Chelsea’s squad, making eight appearances since his summer transfer from Basel. His international break performance has added to the growing confidence around his abilities, and he is a strong candidate to start this weekend.
Meanwhile, Reece James has returned to training after spending the season thus far sidelined with injury. Despite his recovery, Maresca will likely handle the Blues captain with caution to avoid rushing him back into action prematurely. James’ fitness remains a key talking point, but it’s uncertain whether he will start or be used as a substitute.
In Chelsea’s attack, Jadon Sancho has made an impressive start to his time at Stamford Bridge following his transfer from Manchester United. His performances, along with those of Noni Madueke, who has emerged as one of Chelsea’s standout players this season, provide Maresca with plenty of attacking options. The manager can also call on the likes of Christopher Nkunku, Joao Felix, Pedro Neto, and Mykhailo Mudryk to further reinforce the attack if necessary.
Given the reshuffle, Chelsea’s probable starting XI for their trip to Liverpool could look like this: Sanchez in goal; Malo Gusto, Adarabioyo, Levi Colwill, and Veiga in defense; Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez in midfield; with Noni Madueke, Cole Palmer, and Jadon Sancho supporting Nicolas Jackson up front.
With injury concerns, suspensions, and a tough opponent in Liverpool, Maresca’s lineup decisions will be crucial in determining Chelsea’s chances of success in this important Premier League fixture.
