Liverpool’s anticipated lineup against Chelsea: Projected starting eleven for the highly anticipated Premier League showdown, with Szoboszlai sidelined and Jones stepping in.
Liverpool’s head coach, Arne Slot, is set to bring Caoimhin Kelleher back into the starting eleven for the Premier League match against Chelsea at Anfield on Sunday.
The team will be without first-choice goalkeeper Alisson Becker, who is sidelined for several weeks due to a hamstring injury sustained during the 1-0 victory over Crystal Palace prior to the international break.
Kelleher missed that match due to illness, which allowed Vitezslav Jaros to make his debut in the closing moments.
However, the Republic of Ireland international is now ready to step in as the team’s goalkeeper.
Kelleher is expected to be supported by a familiar defensive lineup consisting of Trent Alexander-Arnold, Ibrahima Konate, Andrew Robertson, and Virgil van Dijk.
Van Dijk was released early from international duty after receiving a red card in the UEFA Nations League match against Hungary.
In his press conference, Slot mentioned that the team is facing some unspecified challenges following the international break.
While he did not provide details, it is likely that some South American players may be rested due to their late returns.
Alexis Mac Allister could be at risk of being dropped after a recent scare, which opens the door for Curtis Jones—who left the England squad for the birth of his child—to partner Ryan Gravenberch in midfield.
If Jones takes a deeper role, it would allow for Dominik Szoboszlai to be recalled to the number 10 position.
Meanwhile, the attacking trio of Mohamed Salah, Diogo Jota, and Cody Gakpo is expected to remain unchanged from the previous match against Palace.
Projected starting lineup for Liverpool:
Kelleher; Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Jones, Gravenberch; Salah, Szoboszlai, Gakpo; Jota.