Premier League 2025-2026: Liverpool-Chelsea, the likely lineups
The Premier League is preparing to treat itself to a weighty Saturday for all the goals still up for grabs in the top flight. In fact, the day’s matches, valid for the 36th round of the championship, award very heavy points for both the title and the race for Europe. It kicks off at 1:30 p.m. at Anfield, where Liverpool receives Chelsea in a classic and highly prestigious challenge for English soccer.
The context in which this match arrives is rich in narrative cues for both teams. Liverpool has had a busy season, culminating in their elimination in the Champions League quarterfinals at the hands of Paris Saint-Germain.
After losing the first leg at the Parc des Princes, the Reds were unable to overturn the result even at Anfield, where Wirtz and Salah were not enough to overcome Luis Enrique’s battleship. In the league, Slot’s team also cashed in on a 3-2 defeat against Manchester United at Old Trafford, with goals from Cunha, Sesko and Mainoo thwarting goals from Szoboszlai and Gakpo.
Chelsea, for its part, is experiencing a similarly delicate situation. The Blues have gone through a very difficult period in the league, marked by too many consecutive defeats, which led to a change on the bench with the arrival of Calum McFarlane in place of Rosenior. The only positive note of the London season remains the conquest of the FA Cup final, achieved by beating Leeds at Wembley, where the Blues will face Manchester City.
In comparison with recent outings, Slot has to deal with some heavy absences: Alisson, Bradley, Gomez and Ekitike are all unavailable, while the presence of Salah – who announced his farewell to Liverpool at the end of the season – remains in doubt. Between the posts, therefore, there is room for Woodman, while in attack it is Gakpo’s turn to lead the offensive department. On the Chelsea front, McFarlane still relies on the Palmer-Joao Pedro tandem as the main references of the offensive maneuver, with Enzo Fernandez in the role of trequartista and the Lavia-Caicedo pair providing balance in the midfield. Compared to the match against Nottingham Forest, the goalkeeper changes – Jorgensen in place of Sanchez – and Adarabioyo is seen again in defense alongside Chalobah.
Probable lineups
Liverpool (4-2-3-1): Woodman; Jones, Konate, van Dijk, Kerkez; MacAllister, Gravenberch; Frimpong, Szoboszlai, Wirtz; Gakpo. Coach: Slot.
Chelsea (4-2-3-1): Jorgensen; Malo Gusto, Chalobah, Adarabioyo, Cucurella; Lavia, Caicedo; Palmer, Fernandez, Pedro Neto; Joao Pedro. Coach: McFarlane
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