It’s been a pretty torrid week for manager Thomas Tuchel. The draw against Brighton and the fallout from the Romelu Lukaku interview means there is even more pressure heading into a make-or-break match against Liverpool tomorrow.
The Reds have their own problems, having lost to Leicester last time out and Jurgen Klopp has now revealed there will be players missing after a virus outbreak in the dressing room.
In terms of the Blues’ starting lineup, Edouard Mendy will start in goal. It will be the Senegalese international’s last game before he flys out for the African Cup of Nations.
An injury to Andreas Christensen and questions over Thiago Silva’s fitness mean Cesar Azpilicueta and Trevoh Chalobah could line up alongside Antonio Rudiger in the back three. Christian Pulisic may well be asked to deputise at right wingback with Reece James out due to a hamstring problem, while Marcos Alonso is expected to start on the opposite flank.
In midfield, N’Golo Kante should be ready to play so he is likely to replace Mateo Kovacic in midfield, with Jorginho taking the other spot.
Lukaku’s goal versus Brighton may not save him from the chop, following recent events, so Kai Havertz could be asked to lead the line. Callum Hudson-Odoi struggled against the Seagulls so Hakim Ziyech may be recalled with Mason Mount starting on the left.
Chelsea’s Predicted XI To Play Liverpool:
Mendy, Pulisic, Azpilicueta, Chalobah, Rudiger, Alonso, Jorginho, Kante, Ziyech, Havertz, Mount
