Liverpool will be aiming to extend their lead at the top of the Premier League when they face Chelsea at Anfield after the international break. As Arne Slot’s high-flying Reds look to maintain their strong start to the season, they have received key boosts with the early returns of Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk from international duty.
Both Salah and Van Dijk, two of Liverpool’s most influential players, are expected to be available for selection in this crucial fixture. Van Dijk, who was sent off during the Netherlands’ Nations League draw against Hungary, will miss his national team’s next game but is set to return to Merseyside early. This means the Dutch center-back will have extra recovery time before the Chelsea game. Similarly, Salah has been released early from the Egypt squad due to concerns over pitch conditions in their upcoming match, giving him valuable rest ahead of the Premier League showdown.
Salah and Van Dijk in the Starting XI
Assuming they are fully fit, Salah and Van Dijk are almost certain to be part of Arne Slot’s starting XI. Salah, fresh off his early return from international duty, will slot back into his usual position on the right wing. Van Dijk, meanwhile, will anchor Liverpool’s defense alongside Ibrahima Konate or Joe Gomez, forming a vital partnership to handle Chelsea’s attacking threats.
Alisson Becker Injury and Goalkeeping Decisions
Unfortunately for Liverpool, Alisson Becker is expected to miss the Chelsea match due to injury. As a result, Caoimhin Kelleher is tipped to step in as the starting goalkeeper, while Vitezslav Jaros may feature as his backup. Kelleher, who has performed well when called upon, will have the opportunity to shine in Alisson’s absence.
Defensive Setup
In defense, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Ibrahima Konate, and Andy Robertson will all be returning from international duty, and Slot will be hoping they come back without any fitness concerns. If fit, Alexander-Arnold and Robertson will resume their roles as full-backs, with Konate likely to partner Van Dijk in the heart of the defense.
Midfield Adjustments
Liverpool’s midfield could see changes depending on the fitness of Alexis Mac Allister, who missed Argentina’s recent World Cup qualifier due to a possible muscle strain. If Mac Allister is unavailable, Curtis Jones could step into the midfield alongside Ryan Gravenberch and Dominik Szoboszlai. Jones, who has shown promise in previous outings, would be keen to make his mark in such an important fixture.
Harvey Elliott, having been out for an extended period due to a foot injury, is also in contention to return to the squad and could provide an additional option in midfield or as an impact substitute.
Attacking Options
In the forward line, Mohamed Salah will reclaim his starting spot on the right wing. The other two attacking positions will be hotly contested, with Diogo Jota, Luis Diaz, Cody Gakpo, and Darwin Nunez all vying for a place in the starting XI. Slot’s selection could depend on tactical considerations, with Gakpo and Nunez offering versatility, while Diaz and Jota bring pace and creativity.
There is also a possibility that Federico Chiesa, who has missed Liverpool’s last two games due to fitness concerns, could return to the squad for the Chelsea clash. His availability would provide even more depth and options for Slot as he plans his attack.
Conclusion:
Liverpool fans can expect an exciting clash as the Reds face Chelsea at Anfield. With Salah and Van Dijk back in action, and potential changes in midfield and goalkeeping positions, Slot will be keen to extend his team’s unbeaten run and cement their place at the top of the Premier League.
