Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp will be back at the scene of his first ever victory of his career in England when he travels to the Stamford Bridge in London this Friday. The Reds are fresh off a victory over the Champions of England and will be high on confidence while Antonio Conte is still unbeaten and will do everything to keep his record intact. It is a game that many have been waiting for and promises to produce some sizzling action.
Team News:
Liverpool were given a boost earlier this week after it was revealed that star defender Dejan Lovren is back ready to take his place in the starting XI for the game against Chelsea after missing out on the Leicester City game. However, the likes of Emre Can and Mamadou Sakho are still not fit enough to take the field while Joe Gomez is now closing in on returning to full training after a lengthy injury lay-off. Keeper Loris Karius is also available for selection but it is to be seen if Klopp will take the risk and name him in the first team on the night. Here is Liverpool’s strongest line-up to face Chelsea on Friday:
Goal Keeper:
Simon Mignolet:
He proved costly with his errors in the previous season, but the Belgian has started the new campaign fairly comfortably and will start the game at the Bridge.
Defense:
Nathaniel Clyne:
The England international is one of the first names on the team sheet and will take his position at right back against Chelsea.
Joel Matip:
Slowly getting used to the Premier League, Matip will have his biggest test yet against the likes of Hazard, Costa and Willian this weekend.
Dejan Lovren:
The Croatian missed the game against Leicester with a black eye but is back in action this weekend to partner Matip at the heart of the Liverpool defense.
James Milner:
Having impressed in his new role in the Leicester game, Klopp will see no reason to replace Milner at the left-back spot for this game.
Midfield:
Jordan Henderson:
After showing signs of some form recently, Henderson will play an important role against Chelsea in the midfield if Liverpool are to take anything from this game.
Adam Lallana:
Adding goals to his efforts, the England international has been influential in every game for Liverpool this season and will once against be a part of the three-man midfield for the Reds.
Georginio Wijnaldum:
Though not setting the field on fire, Wijnaldum has been decent in the midfield role and will be hoping to have a good game at the Bridge this weekend.
Sadio Mane:
The star player for Liverpool this season, Mane, has only moved to the club this summer but is an integral part of the squad for Liverpool for this game against Chelsea.
Roberto Firmino:
Having got himself a brace in the game against the Foxes, Firmino will lead the line as a false 9 as he has done away from home last season and also at the start of this season.
Phillipe Coutinho:
The Brazil magician was only used from the bench in the 4-1 win over Leicester City and will take Daniel Sturridge’s place in the side for the game against Chelsea.
