‘Incredible’ ace set to start as star makes Premier League debut: Liverpool's predicted XI vs Chelsea

Below is a summary of the full article. Click here for the full version from Rousing the Kop or go back to LFC Live.

Liverpool face Chelsea in a Premier League clash as they hope to maintain their position at the top of the table.Last weekend, the Reds lost fairly to Crystal Palace 2-1 in a game which was decided by late drama but in favour of Oliver Glasner’s side.Their poor form continued into the midweek Champions League game as they struggled to cancel out an early penalty conversion from Victor Osimhen in a 1-0 win for the Turkish side.Neither of their displays were what Liverpool fans expected of their club at this current moment, given they are coming off the back of a league title-winning season.However, they will have to pick up their form quickly to beat Enzo Maresca’s side at Stamford Bridge in a clash which is pivotal for both teams to prove pundits wrong in very different ways.Arne Slot has some tough choices to make, but he knows what will be best for his team, no matter the result.Photo by Marco Steinbrenner/DeFodi Images via Getty ImagesDefenceThe one major change in the defence for this game is between the sticks, with Alisson Becker suffering a hamstring injury, which will leave him out of the squad for several weeks.Instead, in the net it will be Giorgi Mamardashvili who is making his Premier League debut following a start against Southampton in the League Cup and a cameo against Galatasaray.Hopefully, the experience in front of the Georgian will not let him down as Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate start as the usual defensive pair, despite the Frenchman’s form.Conor Bradley will retain his place as the starting right-back, especially as his competition, Jeremie Frimpong, had a difficult time on the right wing; the Dutchman will instead find himself on the bench.There will also be no changes at left-back with Milos Kerkez as the number one choice instead of Andy Robertson, as the Hungarian is just about finding his feet in the team.MidfieldWhile Dominik Szoboszlai may have found himself in the defence on the right flank in the midweek clash, he will return to his comfortable position in the middle of the park alongside some familiar faces.Alexis Mac Allister will return to his usual place as part of the midfield three. Even with his injury struggles, it is expected that he can still put on a great performance.READ MORE: Worrying Alexis Mac Allister statistic emerges as midfielder’s form continues to harm LiverpoolThis does mean that Florian Wirtz will take a backseat for this game, given the amount of criticism levelled at him from the start of the season, ramping up because he has not had a goal contribution this season.In the defensive midfield role, Ryan Gravenberch is certain to retain his place as he has performed exceptionally even when the squad has not.AttackThere have been injury issues in the attacking department this week, with Federico Chiesa and Hugo Ekitike both being assessed this week for knocks sustained.While there is no confirmation of an injury to the Frenchman, Alexander Isak is a safe bet to start as the striker is looking to score his first goal in the Premier League for the Reds.Photo by BURAK BASTURK/Middle East Images/AFP via Getty ImagesThe Swedish international has not been able to get into games as much as fans may have hoped, but despite the ‘incredible’ ace not playing very well, Isak will definitely be up and running to his full ability very soon.Even though he was dropped in favour of Frimpong on the right-hand side, only Mohamed Salah could start this game against his old club and hopefully show doubters again why he is one of the world’s best.With only one real choice on the left wing, the dependable Cody Gakpo maintains his place despite some struggles with form, the Dutch international could be a menace to a depleted Chelsea defence.Liverpool predicted XI to face Chelsea