Predicted Chelsea line-up (3-4-2-1) vs Liverpool, Romelu Lukaku dropped

Chelsea host Liverpool in the Premier League this evening. The Blues are already 11 points behind leaders Manchester City, and the game is a must win for them to stay in the title race.

Predicted Line-up:

Edouard Mendy has been almost ever-present for the Blues in the Premier League. The Senegal international is expected to start in goal today. He will then join his national team for the African Cup of Nations.

In the backline, the Blues have been handed a big boost with Thiago Silva back in training after a hamstring injury. He could be accompanied by Trevoh Chalobah and Antonio Rudiger in central defence.

Reece James could be out for two months with a hamstring injury. Hence, Cesar Azpilicueta looks set to occupy the right wing-back spot. Marcos Alonso should be a nailed-on starter on the opposite end.

N'Golo Kante has been in-and-out of the line-up since recovering from a knee injury. The Frenchman is likely to return to accompany Jorginho in the centre of the park. Mateo Kovacic is set to drop to the bench.

Mason Mount should be an assured starter in attacking midfield, having managed seven goal contributions last month. Callum Hudson-Odoi had a tough outing in the 1-1 draw against Brighton, and could be replaced by Hakim Ziyech.

Romelu Lukaku has been dropped from the matchday squad following his explosive interview with Sky Italy where he talked about returning to Inter Milan at the prime of his career. He could be replaced by Kai Havertz, who is fit after a bout of coronavirus.

Predicted Chelsea line-up (3-4-2-1): Mendy; Chalobah, Silva, Rudiger; Azpilicueta, Kante, Jorginho, Alonso; Mount, Ziyech; Havertz.