Chelsea Starting XI vs Liverpool: Confirmed Team News and Predicted Lineup | OneFootball

Chelsea vs Liverpool Injury Chaos Ahead of Stamford Bridge Showdown

Chelsea’s treatment room is fit to burst and it could not come at a worse time. Premier League champions Liverpool arrive in west London tonight, determined to extend their strong start under Arne Slot, while Enzo Maresca is left stitching together whatever is left of his squad.

Defensive Dilemmas for Maresca

Chelsea have eight players unavailable. Trevoh Chalobah is suspended after his red card in the 3-1 defeat by Brighton, while Tosin Adarabioyo, Levi Colwill and Wesley Fofana are all sidelined, Fofana observing the 12-day concussion protocol. That leaves Benoit Badiashile, Josh Acheampong and Jorrel Hato as the only recognised centre-back options. Maresca could shift Moises Caicedo into defence, although his presence is arguably needed in midfield to combat Liverpool’s aggressive press.

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Midfield Puzzle Continues

Cole Palmer and Andrey Santos are ruled out until after the international break, joining long-term absentees Liam Delap and Dario Essugo. Maresca may turn to Romeo Lavia alongside Caicedo and push Enzo Fernandez into the No10 role. Joao Pedro is expected to lead the line again after a couple of disappointing performances by Tyrique George when deputising as a striker. Another possibility is for Fernandez and Caicedo to remain in midfield with Facundo Buonanotte deployed behind Pedro.

Liverpool Ready to Pounce

Liverpool, buoyed by their title-winning momentum, will expect to dominate against such a depleted Chelsea side. Slot’s squad depth contrasts sharply with Maresca’s predicament. Stamford Bridge will demand defiance but Chelsea will require resilience as much as tactical clarity. Reece James offers a glimmer of hope after featuring from the bench against Benfica in midweek and is expected to return to the starting lineup against Liverpool.

Predicted Chelsea XI (4-2-3-1): Sanchez, James, Acheampong, Badiashile, Cucurella, Caicedo, Fernandez, Estevao, Buonanotte, Neto, Joao Pedro

Injured: Palmer, Fofana, Tosin, Santos, Colwill, Delap, EssugoSuspended: ChalobahUnavailable: Mudryk

Kick-off: 5:30pm BST, Saturday October 4, 2025Venue: Stamford Bridge, LondonLive on Sky Sports