Chelsea predicted XI vs Liverpool as Enzo Maresca starts ‘outstanding’ player for first time this season

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Chelsea will be desperate to return to winning ways in the Premier League, however face one of the biggest tests of the season to try and do so.

The Blues welcome Liverpool to Stamford Bridge after two consecutive defeats to Manchester United and Brighton in the competition.

These have been interjected by wins in cup competitions against Lincoln City and Benfica, however the story of recent defeats has been red cards.

Trevoh Chalobah will be suspended after his sending off against Brighton, giving the boss a decision to make regarding his team selection this weekend.

The Chelsea Chronicle have predicted the XI Enzo Maresca will select to face Arne Slot’s side in their final game before the next international break.

Chelsea predicted XI vs Liverpool

Robert Sanchez will retain his place between the sticks. Chelsea fans will be hoping to see the best of their inconsistent goalkeeper.

There will be a return to the starting side for Reece James after his rest from the start in the Champions League. He is starting to show signs of the attacking full-back who was seen as one of the best in the world a few years ago.

With plenty of injury and suspension woes at centre-back, it will be the biggest game yet for Josh Acheampong as a Chelsea player at the heart of defence.

He will be partnered by Benoit Badiashile, who will be making his first Premier League start of the season after beginning the game against Benfica.

At left-back, Marc Cucurella will look to build on his excellent performance in the Champions League with the task of facing up against Mohamed Salah.

In midfield, Romeo Lavia will make his first start of the season. The Belgian made a real impact in this fixture last campaign, and will be desperate to kick-start a regular run of minutes from now.

He will be joined by Moises Caicedo, who was another starter who kept his place and performed magnificently against Benfica.

Ahead of those two, Enzo Fernandez will look to fill the attacking midfield role again. He already has three goals to his name this season.

On the right, Estevao Willian will return to the starting side. He dropped to the bench in the Champions League, and is patiently waiting for his first Chelsea goal.

The opposite wing will be occupied by Pedro Neto, who has enjoyed a brilliant start to the season. Neto received heavy praise for his performance in the Champions League.

Up front, Joao Pedro will be looking for a far more successful outing than in midweek, when he was sent off despite only coming on in the second half.

Chelsea predicted XI: Sanchez; James, Acheampong, Badiashile, Cucurella; Lavia, Caicedo, Fernandez; Estevao, Neto, Pedro