Chelsea must be buoyed by the performance at Anfield as we beat Liverpool in the Carabao Cup. The Blues made nine changes to their team to face a second-string Liverpool side. However, the fact that we inflicted their first defeat of the season should come as great news for Maurizio Sarri and the players.
We trail the Reds by a couple of points in the Premier League but all that can change once we meet them at Stamford Bridge on Saturday.
Liverpool will be looking for revenge but we are unbeaten this season and can make things worse for Jurgen Klopp.
Sarri must play his first-team and here is our predicted line-up for the weekend’s clash.
Predicted Chelsea XI
Formation: 4-3-3
Manager: Maurizio Sarri
Kepa Arrizabalaga (GK)
The Spaniard didn’t play against the Reds but he should return to the side on Saturday.
Cesar Azpilicueta (RB)
Dave didn’t look all that great in the previous game against the Reds but should keep his spot for the weekend’s game.
Antonio Rudiger (CB)
Rudiger wasn’t risked at Anfield and the German must aim to keep the likes of Roberto Firmino and Naby Keita at bay.
David Luiz (CB)
The Brazilian seems to be Sarri’s favourite and must start the game after being on the bench in the Carabao Cup fixture.
Marcos Alonso (LB)
Another player who did not start the game against Liverpool, Alonso could be a crucial player for us, especially with his late runs and dead-ball deliveries.
Jorginho (CM)
The Italian didn’t face the Reds but must surely start in the Premier League clash on Saturday. The midfielder’s passing will be crucial to maintaining a tempo and frustrating the Reds.
N’Golo Kante (CM)
Kante was brought on as a substitute in the second half and the Frenchman’s pressing will be key to dominating the Liverpool midfield.
Mateo Kovacic (CM)
The Real Madrid man must keep things tidy in the midfield – just like he did against the Reds in the cup game.
Eden Hazard (LW)
The Belgian was superb in his substitute’s role at Anfield, chipping in with the goal of the season so far. Hazard has to be at his best if we are to defeat the Reds at the Bridge.
Olivier Giroud (ST)
The Frenchman wasn’t deployed in the win over the Reds but his link-up play with Hazard could be one of the keys to us winning the game.
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Willian (RW)
Pedro might not be fit for the clash against Liverpool, meaning Sarri should start with Willian on the right.