Line-ups confirmed as James returns for Blues

Liverpool can maintain top spot in the Premier League with a win over Chelsea this afternoon.

Arne Slot has slotted in seamlessly following the departure of Jurgen Klopp and the Merseysiders have won six of their first seven league outings.

The Dutchman has impressed, as has his opposite number Enzo Maresca. Maresca inherited a mess at Stamford Bridge in the summer with uncertainty regarding the ownership and another chaotic transfer window. But he has moulded a cohesive unit that sits sixth in the league and has lost just one of their last 10 games in all competitions.

A trip to Anfield will be a useful gauge of their progress.

Liverpool team news

Slot opted to leave all his South American players on the bench mindful of their long trip back to the UK following the international break. Luis Diaz, Alexis Mac Allister and Darwin Nunez were all named among the substitutes with Dominik Szoboszlai lining up in midfield alongside Curtis Jones and the in-form Ryan Gravenberch.

Mohamed Salah, Diogo Jota and Cody Gakpo form the front three while Andy Robertson returns at left-back.

Caoimhín Kelleher continues in goal in place of the injured Alisson.

Liverpool: Kelleher, Van Dijk, Konate, Szoboszlai, Salah, Jones, Gakpo, Jota, Robertson, Gravenberch, Alexander-Arnold.

Team news is IN for #LIVCHE 👊

— Liverpool FC (@LFC) October 20, 2024

Chelsea team news

Captain Reece James makes his first start of the season having recovered from injury while Tosin Adarabioyo comes in for the suspended Wesley Fofana.

Malo Gusto moves over to left-back to cover for Marc Cucurella, who has also accumulated five yellow cards.

Chelsea XI: Sanchez, James, Adarabioyo, Colwill, Gusto, Caicedo, Lavia, Madueke, Palmer, Sancho, Jackson.

Our Blues to face Liverpool. 🫡💙#CFC | #LIVCHE pic.twitter.com/ZElUl1Vlq6

— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) October 20, 2024