Chelsea is gearing up for a crucial Premier League clash against Liverpool on Sunday, but they’ll have to contend without three key stars for the trip to Anfield as Enzo Maresca strategizes his lineup.
Chelsea is set to return to Premier League action on Sunday, facing a monumental challenge as they travel to Anfield to take on Liverpool. Under Arne Slot, Liverpool has enjoyed a fantastic start to the season, sitting atop the table with six wins from their first seven games—only a home defeat to Nottingham Forest blemishing their record.
On the other hand, Chelsea has surprised many with their performance under Enzo Maresca, currently sitting fourth in the league after a summer of significant changes at Stamford Bridge. The Blues are unbeaten in their last seven matches across all competitions, but they will be eager to bounce back after a disappointing draw against Forest in their last outing.
Enzo Maresca will be eager to field his strongest possible lineup for the upcoming clash against Liverpool, a fixture that has historically posed challenges for Chelsea. The Blues have managed only two victories in their last 17 encounters with Liverpool—both coming under different circumstances: a 2-0 home win in the FA Cup during Frank Lampard’s tenure in 2020 and a 1-0 away triumph in March 2021, with Mason Mount netting the crucial goal.
Chelsea will need to tighten their defense significantly compared to their last visit to Anfield, where Jurgen Klopp’s side overwhelmed them with a 4-1 victory. Much has changed since that January defeat, with only four of the starters from that match likely to be considered among Enzo Maresca’s first-choice team this season. The Blues will be looking to put in a much more resilient performance to avoid a repeat of that lopsided scoreline.
Injuries and illness permitting in the coming days, Enzo Maresca is set to choose from almost a full squad for the crucial clash at Anfield, giving Chelsea a boost ahead of this vital matchup. However, they will definitely be without three players, presenting a challenge for the Blues.
As has been the case throughout Maresca’s tenure, club captain Reece James will be unavailable for selection. The 24-year-old is rumored to be returning to training soon, but the club is cautious and won’t rush him back after his recent injury struggles.
Alongside Reece James, Chelsea will also be missing two other defenders who have been key starters in all seven Premier League matches this season. Unfortunately for the Blues, Wesley Fofana and Marc Cucurella will both be sidelined due to suspension, having each accrued five yellow cards already.
Maresca has a clear replacement in mind for the absent Cucurella, with Renato Veiga impressing in his cameo appearances this season. Meanwhile, a competition is expected in training this week as players vie to fill the void left by Fofana in the center of defense.
The former Leicester defender, Wesley Fofana, has already established a strong partnership with Levi Colwill, but with his absence, players like Tosin Adarabioyo, Axel Disasi, and Benoit Badiashile will be eager to make an impact. Each of them will be looking to seize the opportunity to prove themselves by delivering a dominant performance against the Premier League leaders, laying down a marker for the rest of the season.