Chelsea will be hoping to make a significant statement of intent against Liverpool this Sunday.
After spending over £200m on new players this summer, expectations are high at Stamford Bridge that Chelsea will push both Liverpool and Manchester City closer this year. Manager Frank Lampard has stated he is at the club to win trophies, and a win against one of their direct title rivals will serve as evidence of Chelsea’s resurgence.
But, the same frailties were evident at Brighton on Monday. Defensive insecurities and another howler from Kepa almost cost Chelsea the win, although eventually their superior class told. It is unlikely that Liverpool will be as forgiving on Sunday.
However, the Reds showed their own defensive frailties against Leeds and Chelsea have the attacking talent to capitalise. Here’s how we think they should line-up on Sunday.
Willy Caballero (GK) – Surely Kepa cannot start again? The much maligned keeper made another mistake against Brighton and Lampard must be fast running out of patience. With Edouard Mendy yet to join, the veteran Caballero should be given the nod in goal.
Cesar Azpilicueta (CB) – The club captain provides stability in Chelsea’s porous defence and his leadership skills will be needed to marshal the likes of Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah.
Andreas Christensen (CB) – The Dane’s career at Stamford Bridge looked to have stalled over recent seasons, but Lampard clearly feels the defender is worth persisting with. Potential club stalwart material.
Kurt Zouma (CB) – Seemingly one of those players regarded as forever young, Zouma is now 25 and needs to deliver on his undoubted potential. Made 32 appearances last season and is trusted over Antonio Rudiger.
Reece James (RWB) – The young Englishman scored a screamer against Brighton on Monday and will be an important attacking outlet for Chelsea on Sunday.
Jorginho (CM) – Jorginho has much to prove this season but scored a penalty in Monday’s win. Lampard will be looking to the Italian to keep possession against Liverpool’s midfield three.
N’Golo Kante (CM) – The energetic midfielder had perhaps his most underwhelming season to date last year, but is clearly still a world-class talent. Chelsea would be a much poorer side without him.
Marcos Alonso (LWB) – Often a target for Chelsea boo boys, Alonso will relish the chance to demonstrate his ability while Ben Chilwell is still injured.
Kai Havertz (RW) – The much vaunted German made an anonymous debut at Brighton, but clearly has too much talent not to be a success at Stamford Bridge. Will need time to settle into English football.
Timo Werner (ST) – Despite not finding the net, Werner made an impressive debut on Monday and should prove a handful for Liverpool’s defence. Any slip-ups from Van Dijk will be capitalised upon by the prolific German.
Mason Mount (LW) – Lampard has huge faith in the young midfielder and Mount is fast becoming part of the furniture at Stamford Bridge. A jack of all trades, Mount’s versatility will prove key in achieving a result on Sunday.
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