Chelsea face Liverpool at Anfield in just under an hour, and the team sheets have been released, revealing some surprising choices in the Chelsea lineup. The most notable inclusion is Reece James, who will start at right back. James’ return to the starting eleven is a major talking point, as he has been sidelined with an injury since the end of preseason. Although he was seen participating in training earlier this week, most fans and pundits expected that he would only make a brief appearance from the bench during this crucial match against Liverpool. However, it seems Chelsea’s manager has decided to throw James straight back into action, a decision that will likely be scrutinized depending on how the game unfolds.
James’ inclusion has some tactical implications for Chelsea, particularly for their defensive setup. Malo Gusto, who has been playing at right back in James’ absence, will shift to the left side to cover for the suspended Marc Cucurella. This move will allow Gusto to continue playing a key role in the backline, though on his less favored side. Gusto has performed well on the right, but filling in for Cucurella on the left will provide a significant test of his versatility. Given the high-profile nature of this match, Gusto’s performance could be pivotal.
In addition to Cucurella, Wesley Fofana is another defender who will miss this clash due to suspension. His absence, however, was more predictable, and Chelsea’s backline will be bolstered by the expected inclusion of Tosin Adarabioyo. Adarabioyo steps in for Fofana in what appears to be a well-prepared and anticipated adjustment, and his presence in the defensive line will be key as Chelsea look to contain Liverpool’s potent attack.
One player who might feel particularly disappointed is Renato Veiga, who has been serving as Chelsea’s B team left back this season. Veiga had a strong showing for Portugal on his international debut earlier in the week, which raised hopes that he might get a chance to feature in this high-stakes match. However, despite his recent form and international recognition, Veiga has not made it into the squad for this game. His omission may be a tough pill to swallow, especially given that Chelsea have had to reshuffle their defense due to suspensions. While Veiga will no doubt be eager for future opportunities, missing out on such a significant fixture will undoubtedly be a setback for the young player.
Overall, Chelsea’s starting lineup for this match offers plenty of intrigue, particularly with Reece James’ surprise return. The adjustments in defense will be crucial as the team faces a formidable Liverpool side at Anfield, and the performances of players like Gusto and Adarabioyo will be under close scrutiny.