Liverpool’s predicted XI vs Chelsea as Arne Slot weighs up Alexander Isak risk

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Liverpool have the chance to all-but secure Champions League qualification on Saturday with a win against out of sorts Chelsea.

The Blues have lost their last six Premier League matches, and head to Anfield without a permanent manager.

Nevertheless, Chelsea is never an easy game for Liverpool. Having been beaten by Manchester United, the Reds will be keen to bounce back, but must do so with some nagging injury worries including Alexander Isak. Here’s the XI we’re predicting Arne Slot to send out.

Give us your prediction for Saturday’s lunchtime clash with Chelsea…

Liverpool can all but clinch Champions League football with a win. Will they get it?

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Defence

Slot had a big update on his goalkeeping options on Friday, frustratingly confirming that Alisson Becker is still yet to train with the team.

Giorgi Mamardashvili has, though, and it seems likely that the Georgian will re-take his place, pushing Freddie Woodman to the bench.

The problems at right-back have been solved by Curtis Jones recently, and it would be a surprise if the Scouser did not go again, while Milos Kerkez could come in for his first start in four matches at left-back.

After Slot confirmed that Ibrahima Konate missing training this week was a ‘personal matter,’ he will feature again alongside Virgil van Dijk.

READ MORE: Arne Slot already has a plan if Alexander Isak can’t play for Liverpool v Chelsea as striker misses training 

Midfield

Liverpool’s midfield has become easier to predict with Jones filling in at right-back, and that is set to be the case once again on Saturday.

Alexis Mac Allister will be lucky to start following his disastrous performance against Manchester United, but the Argentine will likely play again nevertheless.

Dominik Szoboszlai had a much better day at the office at Old Trafford, and will stay in his more advanced midfield role, while Ryan Gravenberch will be tasked with getting the better of Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo.

Attack

There are definite question marks around who Slot will choose to pick in attack, with the most pressing one surrounding Isak.

The Liverpool head coach confirmed that his No. 9 is back in training ahead of the match, but it still feels more likely that he’ll start from the bench.

Cody Gakpo should be chosen through the middle in Isak’s absence after doing well in the role against United.

Meanwhile, Jeremie Frimpong arguably deserves to drop to the bench, but is unlikely to do so, with Florian Wirtz completing has the look of a very much makeshift Liverpool attack.