Two teams on almost embarrassing form face off today at 12:30am. The blue devils take on the reds in a game that has previously provided nail biting entertainment, but this year is different.
Potter’s blues have had a poor start since he took over in the dugout, with just 7 points from their last possible 15, including a 2-1 loss to Fulham with debutant Joao Felix being sent off. Liverpool haven’t been much better, loosing their last two games against Brentford and Brighton.
As for the squads for today, both sides have a worryingly extensive injury list. For Chelsea, star man Reece James has recently re-joined Chelsea training after his knee injury and Potter stated: “The boys are progressing well. Reece [James] has joined team training but won’t be involved at the weekend.” James however, isn’t expected back to full fitness till February. Chillwell, Kante and Fofana also out till February with injuries, as well as Zakaria, who showed serious promise before his quad injury in the Fulham defeat.
With an injury list of 10 likely starting players, new £100 million signing Mykhailo Mudryk from Shakhtar Donesk is likely to come in from off the bench for Havertz, who wasn’t at Chelsea’s open training on Wednesday.
Liverpool appear a lot stronger today sees the return of Salah, Robertson, Nunez and Trent Alexander-Arnold and Henderson, however the skipper likely won’t start today, after youngster Stefan Bajcetic showed serious promise against Wolves in the FA Cup third round.
Chelsea predicted lineup (4-2-3-1): Kepa, Chalobah, Thiago Silva, Azpillicueta, Cucurella, Jorginho, Gallagher, Ziyech, Mount, Chukwuemeka, Havertz
Liverpool predicted lineup (4-3-3): Alisson, Alexander-Arnold, Joe Gomez, Konate, Robertson, Keita, Bajcectic, Tiago, Elliot, Gakpo, Salah.
