The Chelsea lineup that should start against Liverpool
By Mitch Wilks
Chelsea remain undefeated under the new management of Thomas Tuchel, but face another big test on Thursday evening.
The Blues visit Anfield to take on Liverpool, who have finally found the win they were desperately searching for at the weekend, ending a torrid run of form. Chelsea haven't won at Anfield since 2018 and just one point separates the sides in the Premier League table, making this one a must win for both.
It presents a chance for either side to sneak into the Champions League places and apply some pressure onto fourth-placed West Ham, meaning the stakes are high as the season heads towards the finish line.
Here's how Tuchel's Chelsea side could line up...
1. Goalkeeper & defenders
Edouard Mendy (GK) - Put in a decent shift against Manchester United and hasn't yet refused to be substituted. He keeps his place.
Cesar Azpilicueta (CB) - The senior head and leader at the back, Azpilicueta is vitally important in big games like this one.
Andreas Christensen (CB) - Managed four league starts under Tuchel and has found a groove of consistent form. A redemption for the 24-year-old, and his form suggests there may be no need to rush Thiago Silva back.
Antonio Rudiger (CB) - Rudiger too has been playing well in recent weeks, thus is kept in the XI.
2. Wing-backs & Midfielders
Reece James (RWB) - Returns to the XI in a tough test away from home, to provide a little more defensive cover.
Mateo Kovacic (CM) - Proving to be the go-to man in big games thanks to his ability to beat the press and retain the ball no matter where he is on the pitch.
N'Golo Kante (CM) - Kept Bruno Fernandes mightily quiet against United and will be deployed to do a similar job in dampening Liverpool's attacking outlet.
Marcos Alonso (LWB) - The Spaniard is enjoying his return to the side and another run of form under a new manager, which seems to happen every 12 months or so. Ben Chilwell probably didn't do enough against Man Utd to shift him here.
3. Forwards
Mason Mount (RF) - Has only missed one Premier League game all season and for good reason; Mount is key in making Chelsea tick in attack. Serious talent.
Olivier Giroud (ST) - Couldn't quite find his shooting boots at the weekend, but a veteran striker like Giroud will smell blood against such a rocky defence.
Timo Werner (LF) - Improved his contribution numbers under Tuchel and could find some fortune with Liverpool so reliant on pushing their full-backs high up the field.