Werner To Start, Thiago Silva And Abraham Not In The Squad: Chelsea’s Predicted Lineup To Take On Liverpool

David Tully

3 years ago

Categories: Chelsea News, Galleries, Match Previews

Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel will be keen to see his side show more bite in the attacking third of the pitch against Liverpool after drawing a blank versus Manchester United last time out.

If they can get on the scoresheet at Anfield, it could well be enough to get the three points with the Reds having struggled for goals at home over the past couple of months.

A win would be a huge boost to the Blues’ chances of finishing in the top four as it would move them four points ahead of tomorrow’s opponents in the Premier League table.

So who will Tuchel pick to start against Liverpool? Press the next page as we select our predicted lineup:

GK – Edouard Mendy

The Senegalese international’s handling wasn’t the best against United, as he nearly allowed a cross from Daniel James to get away from him. There were also some unorthodox saves from long-range shots which didn’t look convincing.

Having said all that, though, it was Mendy’s 16th clean sheet of the season for Chelsea in only 28 appearances so it’s best not to be too harsh.

RWB- Reece James

Tuchel has confirmed that Callum Hudson-Odoi is fit after being taken off at half-time in the draw with United last weekend with what looked like a knee problem.

After the match, Tuchel did say the substitution was partly tactical so you would expect James to be given the nod to start at Anfield instead.

CB – Cesar Azpilicueta

Never looked flustered when coming up against Marcus Rashford on Sunday, and the Spaniard certainly looks right at home in the right-sided centre-back role.

Azpilicueta will have another challenge when he faces Sadio Mane, although you’d be confident that the Chelsea captain will get the better of his opponent with the Liverpool forward not in good form currently.

CB – Andreas Christensen

Thiago Silva is not fit despite having recently returned to full training. The Brazilian won’t travel to Anfield so Christensen is expected to fill in once more.

The Danish defender has looked comfortable since the switch to a back three, and he’ll want to put in another good performance tomorrow, especially with Silva close to making his comeback.

CB – Antonio Rudiger

The German seems to be hitting a bit of form now, with his game, both in and out of possession, looking excellent versus United.

Rudiger is a trusted lieutenant of Tuchel’s and he is certainly repaying the faith being shown in him since the manager’s arrival at Stamford Bridge back in January.

LWB – Marcos Alonso

Ben Chilwell wasn’t ambitious enough going forward against United and that may play against him in terms of his selection chances going forward.

Although Alonso is an average defender, he is a very good wingback and his ability to provide a threat from the left flank may see him be handed another start versus Liverpool.

CM – Mateo Kovacic

The Croatian has been drifting in and out of games recently, and he has definitely gone off the boil following a superb start under Tuchel.

Kovacic isn’t likely to be taken out of the firing line yet, but he will need to demonstrate why he deserves to keep his place, with Billy Gilmour and Jorginho waiting in the wings.

CM – N’Golo Kante

The Frenchman looked more like his old self at the weekend, with some excellent interceptions which broke up numerous attacks from United.

Kante will be needed to disrupt Liverpool’s midfield three and give the away side the platform to control the game.

AM – Mason Mount

The 22-year-old got better as the game went on against United, but he will need to offer more creativity in the final third of the pitch at Anfield.

Mount has already shown to Tuchel that he deserves a regular place in the starting lineup and he is unlikely to be dropped for such a big game.

CF – Olivier Giroud

Tuchel said at his pre-match press conference today that Tammy Abraham is lacking confidence at the moment so don’t expect a surprise recall for the 23-year-old.

Giroud’s height could also prove useful against Liverpool, whose defence is very fragile in the absence of Virgil van Dijk, Joel Matip and Joe Gomez.

CF – Timo Werner

Hakim Ziyech did nothing against United to suggest he deserves another start so the expectation is that Werner will be recalled to the starting eleven.

The German’s pace could cause big problems for an inexperienced Liverpool backline tomorrow evening.