Liverpool welcome Chelsea to Anfield in a huge Premier League showdown this afternoon.
Four points separate Arne Slot’s league leaders and the resurgent Blues ahead of kick-off.
But Liverpool’s title credentials will be thoroughly tested in the coming weeks, with first-choice goalkeeper Alisson Becker sidelined through injury until the end of next month.
In Alisson’s absence, Caoimhin Kelleher starts between the sticks in what is the Irishman’s 50th appearance for the Merseyside giants in all competitions.
The Reds have made three changes in total to the team that won at Crystal Palace prior to the international break, with Konstantinos Tsimikas and Alexis Mac Allister dropping out for Andy Robertson and Dominik Szoboszlai respectively in Slot’s XI.
Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca have also made three changes as club captain Reece James returns from his hamstring injury to make his first start of the campaign, which sees Malo Gusto return to the left flank and Marc Cucurella make way.
Meanwhile, the injured Wesley Fofana is replaced by Tosin Adarabioyo at the back and Romeo Lavia comes in for Enzo Fernandez in midfield.
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Konate confident in Kelleher
‘I hope he will have another big game today,’ Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konata said of Caoimhin Kelleher’s spot in Slot’s starting XI.
The Republic of Ireland international has had to play second fiddle to Alisson – who is currently nursing a hamstring issue – but has not looked out of place when called upon in recent seasons.
He makes his 50th appearance for the Reds this afternoon.
James returns for Chelsea
Chelsea fans will be breathing a collective sigh of relief at the sight of captain Reece James back fit and ready for action.
The England right-back’s last Premier League appearance was Chelsea’s 2-1 win away at Brighton at the end of last season.
The speed of James’ return from injury comes as something of a surprise and the defender will be hoping he comes through this test unscathed.
Chelsea team news
Chelsea XI: Sanchez; James, Tosin, Colwill, Gusto; Caicedo, Lavia; Madueke, Palmer, Sancho; Jackson.
Subs: Bettinelli, Disasi, Badiashile, Veiga, Enzo, Dewsbury-Hall, Neto, Joao Felix, Nkunku
Liverpool team news
Liverpool XI: Kelleher; Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Jones, Gravenberch, Szoboszlai; Salah, Gakpo, Jota
Subs: Jaros, Gomez, Endo, Diaz, Mac Allister, Nunez, Tsimikas, Quansah, Morton
Good afternoon!
Welcome to Metro.co.uk’s coverage of today’s heavyweight Premier League clash between Liverpool and Chelsea.
There were a total of 22 goals across Saturday’s action in the top flight. Will it be more of the same at Anfield this afternoon?
Before anything else, though, team news…
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