Chelsea can earn a point at Anfield later if Enzo Maresca unleashes £58m player

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Chelsea travel to Anfield this afternoon to take on league leaders Liverpool, hoping to close the gap on Arne Slot’s men.

Chelsea are just four points behind Liverpool, with the two English giants having lost just one match each in the Premier League so far this season.

It’s going to be a tough game for the Blues, who lost 4-1 at Anfield last term. Fortunately for Enzo Maresca, though, other than Wesley Fofana and Marc Cucurella, who are both currently suspended, he has his whole squad available.

Reece James and Romeo Lavia have suffered injuries in the current campaign, but both players are fit again. James has looked really good in training, but he may not be ready for a start.

Lavia, on the other hand, is one player who should be included in the first XI for this afternoon’s game.

• READ MORE: Chelsea predicted XI vs Liverpool – Enzo Maresca gets creative with his team selection

Romeo Lavia should start against Liverpool

Lavia actually returned from injury before for the international break, so the midfielder should be fit enough to start at Anfield later.

Maresca may be slightly worried about throwing Lavia into such a big fixture, but Chelsea may very well need an extra body in the middle of the park.

Liverpool are obviously a dominant team, playing at home. Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez may need a bit more support, and Lavia can offer that.

In his only start this season, which was against Premier League champions Manchester City at Stamford Bridge, the 20-year-old put in an excellent performance.

Romeo Lavia proved himself against Man City

Lavia could not prevent Chelsea from losing 2-0 to City, but he quickly reminded everyone why the Blues decided to pay £58m for him last summer.

According to WhoScored, Lavia made three tackles during the game. Malo Gusto was the only Chelsea player to have recorded more.

The Belgian also made three interceptions, more than any other player in his team, and registered a pass success rate of 97%.

Defensively, Lavia was very good that day and could now be needed to help limit Liverpool’s threat. The Reds will be big favourites to win the match, but it is not impossible for the Blues to get a point if the Chelsea manager gets his midfield right.

It has been claimed that Barcelona wanted to sign Lavia before his move to Chelsea. Looking at his performance against City, it is not hard to understand why both they and Chelsea were interested in his signature.