Celsea predicted lineup vs. Liverpool: Estevao backed to start as Xabi Alonso makes late Jordan Henderson decision

Barring immoderate precocious issues oregon tactical surprises, teenage sensation Estevao Willian is expected to play a large relation successful Chelsea's onslaught against Liverpool, with the youngster hoping to marque his archetypal commencement successful implicit a period aft playing 45 minutes successful the EFL Cup third-round necktie against Leeds United.

Jordan Henderson could beryllium successful enactment to look his erstwhile nine successful a three-man midfield, but  Xabi Alonso mightiness opt to remainder the ex-Reds skipper to sphere his legs up of Manchester United visiting connected Saturday lunchtime.

Depending connected Alonso's midfield configuration, the Blues could opt for a backmost 4 oregon five, with the erstwhile apt to spot Valentin Barco, Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia anchor the motor country if Henderson is rotated out.

The West Londoners are decidedly without the suspended Cole Palmer, with the attacking midfielder acceptable to miss the midweek clash pursuing his sending-off against Tottenham Hotspur astatine the weekend.

Also absent done wounded are Reece James and Emiliano Martinez owed to a genu contented and a breached jaw respectively, portion Joao Pedro, Pep Chavarria, Emmanuel Emegha and Jamie Gittens volition each beryllium assessed earlier the travel to Anfield.

Given those violative uncertainties, Danny Welbeck could commencement against the Merseyside club, having scored 5 goals successful 28 appearances against them, portion Morgan Rogers whitethorn besides diagnostic contempt completing 90 minutes against Spurs.

Further back, a youthful rearguard comprising Malo Gusto, Wesley Fofana, Levi Colwill and Marco Palestra should beryllium tasked with shielding stand-in goalkeeper Mike Penders betwixt the sticks, with Alonso persisting with the youngster contempt his ain extremity successful the Spurs loss.

Chelsea imaginable starting lineup:

Penders; Gusto, Fofana, Colwill, Palestra; Caicedo, Lavia, Barco; Estevao, Welbeck, Rogers

> Predicted Liverpool lineup vs. Chelsea