Chelsea have an opportunity to make a real statement when they return to Premier League action after the international break. The Blues will make the trip to Merseyside to take on Arne Slot’s in-form Liverpool side at Anfield.
The Reds are currently top of the Premier League table after seven games, winning six and losing one of their opening fixtures. Their only defeat did in fact come at Anfield, with Nottingham Forest springing a major surprise in September following a winner from former Chelsea man Callum Hudson-Odoi.
Chelsea have made a very good start to life under Maresca but now they face a real test as they look to keep pace at the top of the league table. The west London club are going to have to do it without Wesley Fofana and Marc Cucurella through suspension.
Both will now serve one-match bans after picking up their fifth yellow card of the term in last Sunday’s draw against Nottingham Forest. That means Maresca will have to shake things up in defence and make two changes for such an important game.
The Italian will also be keeping his fingers crossed that no fresh injuries occur over the course of the international break. Usually a period when all managers are sweating over the fitness of their players as they want them to return with a clean bill of health, Chelsea only have Reece James on the sidelines at present and they will be desperate to ensure that others don’t join the right-back in the treatment room.
So what exactly is Maresca’s strongest Chelsea XI to take on Liverpool? football.london takes a look below.
Robert Sanchez
Malo Gusto
Tosin Adarabioyo
Levi Colwill
Renato Veiga
