With 8 points better of 2nd placed Arsenal, Antonio Conte’s Chelsea side are genuine favourites to lift the Premier League title this season. But they face a rather tricky trip to Anfield this week as they take on Jurgen Klopp’s battered Liverpool side, that is facing one of its lowest points in recent times.
They are fresh off a loss against Swansea in the previous round and will have to be at their best to give Chelsea a scare as the visitors are in top form going into this game. They beat Burnley in the previous round and though Anfield will be a different challenge, they are expected to live up to the occasion. Conte will know that he cannot afford any slipus and will go with his strongest side.
Here is the predicted lineup he might field for this tie:
Team News:
Aiding their title race, Antonio Conte’s side have no injury issues ahead of this trip to Anfield.
Expected lineup (3-4-3):
Thibaut Courtois:
Though linked with an exit in the summer, Courtois has been sublime in front of goal for Chelsea and is a regular starter under Conte till the end of the season.
Cesar Azpilicueta:
Easily one of the best defenders in the league, Azpilicueta is one of the first names on the team sheet for Chelsea for a while now and will start on the right side of the defense on the night.
David Luiz:
The Brazilian defender has picked up some brilliant form in the last 3 months and is helping Chelsea to some commanding victories recently. He will hope to have a similar impact on this game.
Gary Cahill:
Helping his side at both ends of the field, Cahill has been the marshal at the back for Chelsea and should keep his place in the side for this tie.
Victor Moses:
The surprise package for Chelsea this season, Moses is the first choice wing-back for Conte and will face one of his former clubs this week against Liverpool.
N’Golo Kante:
The lynchpin in the midfield for the Blues, Kante has been exceptional this season in this monumental run for Chelsea and is expected to start this game at Anfield.
Nemanja Matic:
To help provide the back-line with extra protection, Conte should start Matic in the midfield in this tricky away fixture in the Premier League.
Marcos Alonso:
The Spaniard is slowly growing into an impact player for Chelsea and will hope to make a difference in this game against the Reds.
Pedro:
The Spaniard is having his most productive time at the Stamford Bridge and Conte has no reason not to hand him a start on this trip to the Merseyside.
Eden Hazard:
The Belgian is one of the most influential midfielders in the Premier League and Liverpool have to be careful in not giving him any space or time on the ball.
Diego Costa:
The top goal scorer in the league at the moment, Costa will be the biggest goal scoring threat for Liverpool in this top of the table clash.