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How Chelsea could line-up at Liverpool with Thiago Silva and Callum Hudson-Odoi doubts but Timo Werner pushing for start
CHELSEA travel to Anfield to take on Liverpool in a massive six-pointer in the race for a top-four spot on Wednesday night.
The Blues sit one point above Jurgen Klopp’s squad in fifth place with both clubs looking to bounce back from a tricky winter.
And Thomas Tuchel has a near-full-strength squad to choose from for the monster clash on Merseyside.
The West Londoners lost the reverse fixture 2-0 in September thanks to a Sadio Mane double.
But facing an injury-ravaged Reds, Chelsea will fancy their chances.
Thiago Silva gave Tuchel a huge boost after returning to training earlier this week.
However, having missed a month – six games in total – with a thigh injury, Wednesday’s game could come too soon.
That means Cesar Azpilicueta, Andreas Christensen and Antonio Rudiger are likely to start in a back-three in front of Edouard Mendy.
Kurt Zouma will also push for a place, but has all-but been frozen out under new management having been an ever-present under Frank Lampard.
Marcos Alonso is Tuchel’s preferred option at left-wing-back and could return in place of Ben Chilwell, with the latter playing the full 90 minutes against Manchester United.
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Reece James is likely to start at right-wing-back after Callum Hudson-Odoi limped off during Sunday’s goalless draw.
Hudson-Odoi is expected to be part of the matchday squad though, after Tuchel suggested the knock was minor.
In midfield, N’Golo Kante and Mateo Kovacic are likely to start as the two deeper central players, with Jorginho, Kai Havertz and Billy Gilmour on the bench.
Mason Mount is tipped to be joined by Timo Werner just behind the sole striker, expected to be Tammy Abraham.
Tuchel claimed Werner was merely enjoying a well-earned rest against United and would return to his starting XI at Anfield.
That means Hakim Ziyech, Christian Pulisic and Olivier Giroud will have to settle for a spot on the bench.
Chelsea travel to Anfield to take on Liverpool on Wednesday night, with kick-off 8.15pm.
