Liverpool welcomes Chelsea to Anfield in a crucial Premier League showdown this afternoon, with just four points separating the league leaders from the resurgent Blues.
However, Liverpool’s title credentials face a significant test, as goalkeeper Alisson Becker has been ruled out until late November due to a hamstring injury.
His absence means he will miss not only today’s match but also upcoming fixtures against Arsenal, Brighton, and Aston Villa, along with two Champions League games against RB Leipzig and Bayer Leverkusen. Caoimhin Kelleher is set to step in as the starting goalkeeper.
Midfielder Alexis Mac Allister, who was forced off during the win over Crystal Palace, joined the Argentina squad but missed the first game against Venezuela and started in a 6-0 win over Bolivia.
Despite some uncertainty around his fitness, he is included in the squad for today’s game, along with Kostas Tsimikas and Wataru Endo, both of whom were listed as questionable.
Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk have returned from international duty injury-free. Van Dijk was sent off in the Netherlands’ draw with Hungary and subsequently left the squad, while Salah scored against Mauritania before returning to the UK early.
On the Chelsea side, manager Enzo Maresca will have to contend with the absences of Marc Cucurella and Wesley Fofana, both serving one-match suspensions after accumulating five bookings this season.
Tosin Adarabioyo is expected to replace Fofana, while Renato Veiga could fill in for Cucurella. Reece James is making strides in his recovery from injury but may not be ready for this crucial clash.
Liverpool Predicted Lineup:
- Formation: 4-2-3-1
- Goalkeeper: Kelleher
- Defenders: Alexander-Arnold, Konaté, Van Dijk, Robertson
- Midfielders: Mac Allister, Gravenberch
- Forwards: Salah, Szoboszlai, Díaz, Jota
Chelsea Predicted Lineup:
- Formation: 4-2-3-1
- Goalkeeper: Sanchez
- Defenders: Gusto, Adarabioyo, Colwill, Veiga
- Midfielders: Caicedo, Fernandez
- Forwards: Madueke, Palmer, Sancho, Jackson
The match kicks off at 4:30 PM on Sunday, October 20, and will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League, with live streaming available via the Sky Go app and NOW TV.