Stamford Bridge is the first destination for the newly-crowned Premier League champion as Liverpool takes on Chelsea today.
Arne Slot takes his side to London for the first part of what is essentially a month-long victory parade, with the Reds just aiming to extend their lead at the top of the table as much as they can before the end of the season. With that in mind, the Liverpool boss has promised he will be making changes with his side, and offering more opportunities to some of his fringe players.
For today’s hosts though, there is plenty on the line. Chelsea is eyeing up a place in next season’s Champions League, and with a spot in the top five far from secure yet, the Blues could do with picking up a victory over the champions today.
Three teams currently sit on 60 points as the race for the top five heats up, with Chelsea leading Nottingham Forest and Aston Villa at the moment. Any slip-up though could prove costly, and pile the pressure on Enzo Maresca.
The Italian’s side goes into the game off the back of a comfortable Conference League win in Sweden, with one foot in the final after beating Djurgarden 4-1 in the first leg of their semi-final.
(Image: Vince Mignott/MB Media)
Let’s face it, Chelsea’s second string will be more than capable of finishing the job off, so expect to see the Blues’ strongest side today.
That will mean a number of changes, including in goal. There is an argument that Filip Jorgensen should be starting ahead of Robert Sanchez anyway, but with the latter expected to be back fit after missing the trip to Sweden, he will likely return to the side.
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Reece James and Marc Cucurella are the only defenders that survive from Thursday’s game. They line up on either flank, with Trevoh Chalobah and Levi Colwill back in the side.
Moises Caicedo will almost certainly start alongside Enzo Fernandez in midfield, and Cole Palmer should return as the No.10 after coming off the bench on Thursday.
Noni Madueke can retain his spot from midweek, having been withdrawn at half-time against Djurgarden, but Pedro Neto comes in for Jadon Sancho.
Up front, Nicolas Jackson starts in place of Tyrique George, making it seven changes in total for the Blues.
Chelsea predicted line-up vs Liverpool: Sanchez; James, Chalobah, Colwill, Cucurella; Caicedo, Fernandez; Neto, Palmer, Madueke; Jackson
