Saturday evening is set to feel less like a football match and more like a Broadway audition, as the Chelsea lineup vs Liverpool gets the kind of scrutiny reserved for Oscar nominees. Enzo Maresca, under pressure after a wobble in the Premier League, is reportedly plotting four changes to his starting eleven. And yes, Chelsea fans, that means fresh faces, fresh drama, and—hopefully—fewer red cards than a Black Friday sale.
Chelsea lineup vs Liverpool: Defensive shuffle
Trevoh Chalobah’s suspension means Maresca has to reshuffle the backline. According to sources, Benoit Badiashile will keep his place, while young Josh Acheampong is tipped to partner him at the heart of defence. Reece James could return at right-back, swapping in for Malo Gusto. Liverpool’s frontline is no picnic, so Maresca better hope his defensive tinkering doesn’t resemble IKEA furniture assembly—sturdy in theory, wobbly in practice.
Chelsea lineup vs Liverpool: Attack gets a facelift
Alejandro Garnacho, still easing back from injury, may sit this one out. Enter Estevao Willian, the Brazilian wonderkid whose price tag already screams “future Netflix documentary.” Pair him with Pedro Neto and you’ve got wingers who could turn Liverpool’s full-backs into headless chickens. Meanwhile, £60m man Joao Pedro, fresh from a European red card, is expected to lead the line in Liam Delap’s absence. Suspension in midweek? Sure. Premier League availability? Absolutely. Football’s rulebook is nothing if not consistent in its inconsistency.
Chelsea lineup vs Liverpool: Author’s take
Here’s the truth—Maresca’s Chelsea are unpredictable, and that’s both exhilarating and exasperating. On paper, this predicted XI looks daring. In reality, it could be another science experiment gone wrong. But if Chelsea execute with discipline—cutting out those costly mistakes—they’ve got a genuine chance to rattle a vulnerable Liverpool side. This isn’t about proving Maresca is the “perfect coach.” It’s about showing Chelsea can actually string together a meaningful league win without collapsing like a sandcastle in high tide.
Chelsea vs Liverpool predicted XI.
Sanchez; James, Acheampong, Badiashile, Cucurella; Caicedo, Fernandez; Estevao, Buonanotte, Neto; Joao Pedro.
Final thought? Should Maresca hit this Stamford Bridge will hum. Otherwise, the post-match press conference may be hotter than a vindaloo.
As featured on Chelseanews.com
