Pratyay Maitra
Predicted Chelsea Line-up To Face Liverpool At Anfield
In-form Chelsea have stormed into the Round of 16 of UEFA Champions League following their thumping 4-0 win over Azerbaijani outfit Qarabag FK on Wednesday night. The Blues, high on confidence once again, will now travel to Anfield on Saturday evening to engage in one of Premier League’s most high-profile encounters against Liverpool.
The Reds, on the other hand, were on a four-game winning streak until their trip to Sevilla on Tuesday night where they blew away a 3-0 first-half lead and allowed the Spanish outfit to script a comeback and score thrice after the break. Although the Blues have a long trip back home from Azerbaijan and fatigue might remain a major concern ahead of the Anfield clash, Liverpool’s recent collapse will haunt them against the defending Premier League champions and the game is tipped to be a highly intense one at Merseyside.
Team News
Chelsea do not have major injury concerns except Victor Moses and Michy Batshuayi who are doubtful for the Anfield trip with their respective thigh and ankle injuries. Kenedy and Charly Musonda, the young duo, is ruled out with muscle and knee strains. Antonio Conte is expected to retain the same squad that has earned them an upsurge in recent weeks.
Formation: 3-4-1-2
The Italian gaffer brought in a massive transformation last season after switching to a ‘back three’ formation and guided the Londoners to the Premier League title. He will field his side in a similar set-up against the Reds and their defensive resilience will be tested against a lethal Liverpool attacking third, especially against a majestic Mohamed Salah who will be desperate to haunt his former side who didn’t offer him enough opportunities to shine in his first Premier League stint.
Manager: Antonio Conte
Thibaut Courtois (GK)
The Belgian is a regular between the sticks this season and will be protecting Chelsea’s goal once again at Anfield.
Cesar Azpilicueta (RCB)
The Spaniard has been the most influential figure in the Blues backline for the past few years and will play a key role against Sadio Mane.
Andreas Christensen (CB)
The youngster has been a revelation in the Chelsea backline. He might be preferred over David Luiz and Antonio Rudiger once again in what is a difficult away fixture.
Gary Cahill (LCB)
The skipper has had a mixed campaign so far but his experience will be required on Saturday evening, particularly against his former teammate Mo Salah who is currently the league’s top scorer ahead of the likes of Sergio Aguero, Romelu Lukaku, Gabriel Jesus, Alvaro Morata and Harry Kane.
Davide Zappacosta (RWB)
The ex-Torino wingback was a massive influence against Watford and helped his side to come back from behind and secure a victory. He has been performing consistently in the place of the injured Victor Moses and might be handed a start against Liverpool.
N’Golo Kante (CM)
The Frenchman’s return from injury has uplifted Chelsea’s game and the ex-Leicester City star will play a crucial role in the middle of the park.
Tiemoue Bakayoko (CM)
The French youngster has already shown glimpses of him Monaco form and the outing against Liverpool will be huge opportunity to impress the gaffer if he is handed a start on Saturday.
Marcos Alonso (LWB)
The Spaniard’s defending attributes will be tested against Mo Salah who is expected to explore the right flank with his blistering pace, footwork and outrageous skills. Alonso’s attacking traits, on the other hand, will be a massive concern for a vulnerable Liverpool back-line.
Cesc Fabregas (CAM)
The veteran Spaniard will work as the connector between Chelsea’s deep midfield and the attacking third, with his sublime passing skills and movements.
Eden Hazard (LS)
The Belgian superstar is being played in a more advanced role alongside Alvaro Morata upfront and his presence up front is helping the Blues to score more goals in recent weeks.
Alvaro Morata (RS)
The hitman is striking consistently since his move from Real Madrid and his aerial presence will offer a threat to Liverpool’s fragile defensive line.
