Chelsea XI vs Liverpool: Confirmed team news, predicted lineup and injury latest for Premier League | OneFootball

Blues facing defensive crisis for visit of reigning champions to Stamford Bridge

Your matchday briefing on Chelsea, featuring team news and expert analysis from Dom Smith

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Chelsea have eight players out for Saturday’s home Premier League game against Liverpool.

The top-flight leaders are the visitors to Stamford Bridge in the evening kick-off, and Blues boss Enzo Maresca must again contend with a shrunken squad following a spate of injuries.

That means Maresca has only Benoit Badiashile and 19-year-old pair Josh Acheampong and Jorrel Hato to choose from as he decides on a centre-back pairing to try and stop Liverpool.

He could push Moises Caicedo back into defence, but it is likely that the Ecuadorian will be needed in his usual defensive midfield position.

Cole Palmer is out until after the international break with his persistent groin injury.

Another option is for Fernandez and Caicedo to remain midfield partners and Facundo Buonanotte to play in the No10 role behind Joao Pedro.

Midfielder Andrey Santos is also out until after the international break, and Liam Delap and Dario Essugo are long-term absentees.

Reece James came off the bench against Benfica in the Champions League on Tuesday 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, Essugo

Suspended: Chalobah

Unavailable: Mudryk

Time and date: 5:30pm BST on Saturday October 4, 2025

Venue: Stamford Bridge, London

How to watch: Sky Sports