Klopp recalls 23-year-old to start, as Gakpo keeps his place: Predicted Liverpool starting XI vs Chelsea

Liverpool vs Chelsea usually evokes memories of epic two-legged Champions League ties between Rafa Benitez and Jose Mourinho.

As the two sides prepare to meet at Anfield tomorrow, such nights couldn’t feel further away for either team.

The Blues currently sit 10th in the table, while the Reds are marginally better off in 9th. It’s safe to say that both teams could really do with the win.

A draw does neither Graham Potter or Jurgen Klopp much good at all. They have to get the three points. With Liverpool at home, the onus is on them to come out positively. Here’s the team we think Jurgen will pick to do just that.

Defence

Caoimhin Kelleher stepped in for Alisson Becker on Tuesday to claim a first clean sheet in eight for Liverpool. Alisson will be back tomorrow to look for another.

In-front of him Trent Alexander-Arnold will return having also sat out of the midweek win at Molineux. Ibrahima Konate and Joe Gomez were both crucial to keeping Wolves out, and showed enough to earn themselves another start here.

At left-back Andy Robertson will take over duties from cup deputy Kostas Tsimikas.

Midfield

Liverpool’s midfield finally stood up to be counted against Wolves. After weeks of looking horrendously flimsy, the steel returned.

Much of that was down to youngster Stefan Bajcetic. But we don’t expect Klopp to keep him in for this one. Instead, Fabinho is likely to return to do his best Bajcetic impression.

Aside from the one change though, Jurgen would be wise to keep things the same. That should see Naby Keita and Thiago Alcantara start together for just the eight time ever. They’ve won the previous seven, so that’s certainly a good sign.

Attack

There a further headaches for Klopp in attack, as he weighs up what to do with Darwin Nunez. The 23-year-old has missed the last two games with injury, but is reportedly back in training now.

Liverpool have looked a little toothless in those two games. As a result, we think Darwin will return through the middle tomorrow.

Klopp is also likely to keep faith in Cody Gakpo. The forward is yet to score, or really even threaten in three starts so far. But as he beds into the team it’s good to keep him in the side.

Completing the handy-looking attacking trio will of course be Mohamed Salah. These three didn’t look brilliant together starting the game against Wolves at Anfield two weekends ago. Hopefully things will have improved this time around. Come on Liverpool, big performance needed.

Liverpool’s predicted XI vs Chelsea: Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Gomez, Konate, Robertson; Fabinho, Keita, Thiago; Salah, Nunez, Gakpo

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