Chelsea Turns to Fernandez and João Pedro as Key Stars Face Liverpool Despite Injury Crisis
Chelsea look to capitalize on Liverpool's recent struggles when they host the defending Premier League champions at Stamford Bridge this Saturday.
The Merseyside club has shown uncharacteristic vulnerability in their latest matches, suffering back-to-back defeats for just the second occasion under Arne Slot's management with losses to Crystal Palace and Galatasaray. While Chelsea haven't been in outstanding form either, they'll be keen to exploit this rare period of instability from Liverpool.
Player availability presents Chelsea's biggest challenge heading into the weekend, with Enzo Maresca confirming that "seven or eight players" will be unavailable for selection. Multiple defensive absences will create significant difficulties for the Blues against Liverpool's attacking threat.
Here's how Maresca might set up his depleted squad on Saturday.
Chelsea Predicted Lineup vs. Liverpool (4-2-3-1)
GK: Robert Sánchez—Despite allowing three goals against his former club Brighton & Hove Albion last weekend, Sánchez bounced back with an encouraging shutout performance versus Benfica in Champions League action midweek.
RB: Reece James—James has delivered strong performances recently during Chelsea's challenging period, and the dynamic fullback will play a crucial role in containing Cody Gakpo on Liverpool's left flank.
CB: Benoît Badiashile—While Trevoh Chalobah's dismissal against Brighton worsened Chelsea's defensive concerns, the Blues were delighted to see Benoît Badiashile return to the starting eleven against Benfica.
CB: Jorrel Hato—With Tosin Adarabioyo, Wesley Fofana and Levi Colwill all sidelined, Maresca faces severe limitations in central defense. The adaptable Hato is expected to form a partnership with Badiashile against Liverpool's formidable forward line.
LB: Marc Cucurella—The matchup between Cucurella and Mohamed Salah promises to be compelling along Chelsea's left flank, with the Spanish defender having successfully neutralized the Egyptian winger in their previous encounter.
DM: Moisés Caicedo—Liverpool would benefit from Caicedo's defensive intelligence and aggressive style right now, with the Ecuadorian midfielder unlikely to be intimidated by the struggling Florian Wirtz.
DM: Enzo Fernández—Fernández found the net against Liverpool in their last meeting at Stamford Bridge and could prove decisive with his forward runs into the penalty area on Saturday.
AM: Facundo Buonanotte—Cole Palmer's unavailability creates significant problems for Chelsea and limits their attacking midfield choices given other injuries throughout the squad. Buonanotte will attempt to outmaneuver Ryan Gravenberch and Alexis Mac Allister.
RW: Estêvão—Milos Kerkez has endured a difficult start to his Liverpool tenure and might be replaced by Andy Robertson this weekend. Should that occur, Estêvão's speed could trouble the Scottish international.
ST: João Pedro—The Brazilian forward added to Chelsea's disciplinary problems with a red card midweek, bringing their total to three dismissals in four games, though his late sending-off against Benfica doesn't affect his Premier League eligibility for Liverpool's visit.
LW: Pedro Neto—Neto delivered an outstanding midweek display and will be motivated to maintain his excellent form against a Liverpool team that has been vulnerable to quick, direct attacking players this season.
