Welbeck Up Front As Alonso opts For Change: 3-4-2-1 Chelsea Predicted Lineup vs Liverpool| EFL Cup
Bidding to advance to the EFL Cup quarter-finals, Chelsea travel to Anfield to face Liverpool on Wednesday evening.
The Blues were outplayed and outworked in their shock 2-0 home defeat to London rivals Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday in the Premier League. It was the lowest point in Xabi Alonso’s embryonic managerial career at Chelsea, a result that didn’t go down well with the Stamford Bridge faithful.
A game in midweek gives Xabi Alonso’s side the best chance to bounce back. However, they square up against Andoni Iraola’s Liverpool, who are on a five-game winning run in all competitions and are favourites on paper to win the cup tie.
Chelsea Team News
Cole Palmer is suspended for Chelsea following his red card against Tottenham, while Emi Martinez, Reece James and Joao Pedro remain sidelined with injuries. Pep Chavarria, Emmanuel Emegha and Jamie Gittens will be assessed before the trip to Liverpool.
Predicted Chelsea lineup vs Liverpool (3-4-2-1)
Goalkeeper
Mike Penders was at fault for Tottenham’s opening goal last weekend, failing to punch the in-swinging corner properly and the ball ending up in the back of the net. The youngster will be raring to redeem himself with a strong performance at Anfield.
Defence
Lining up in a 3-4-2-1 system, Alonso could ring some changes to his side with one eye on the game against Manchester United at home at the weekend. Wesley Fofana could come in and replace Josh Acheampong in the three-man defence, but Maxence Lacroix and Levi Colwill are poised to retain their spots.
The Blues’ backline have to defend a lot better than they did against Tottenham if they intend to keep a clean sheet at Anfield.
Midfield
With Pep Chavarria doubtful and Jorrel Hato struggling to impress, Marco Palestra could be handed his first start of the season in the Chelsea lineup. The Italian will be deployed at left wing-back, with Pedro Neto a certainty on the opposite flank. The Chelsea wing-backs will be responsible for stretching Liverpool and creating opportunities in the final third from wide areas.
Jordan Henderson returns to his former stomping ground, but the England international might start on the bench. Alonso might opt for an energetic and mobile midfield two of Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia in the Chelsea lineup. The onus will be on Caicedo and Lavia to protect the backline and control the tempo of play.
Attack
Looking at how Cole Palmer and Morgan Rogers struggled to influence the game as a front two against Tottenham, it will make sense if Alonso decides to rely on Danny Welbeck up top amid Joao Pedro’s injury absence. Estevao is the likely candidate to replace the suspended Palmer, partnering Rogers as the two No.10s behind Welbeck in the Chelsea lineup.
The Chelsea front three will look to click into gear and exploit spaces behind Liverpool’s high defensive line.
football formations
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July 23, 2021 | Mad About EPL Desk |