Chelsea are presented with their toughest test since the opening weekend as they travel to Anfield and take on league leaders Liverpool on Sunday afternoon.

Enzo Maresca’s Blues sit fourth in the Premier League and just four points off the Reds, but they’ve struggled in this head-to-head duel as of late. Chelsea are winless in nine games against Liverpool, and they were humiliated by a youthful Reds outfit on their previous meeting in the Carabao Cup final.

This Chelsea team has shown signs of evolution since that dark day at Wembley, with Maresca impressing at the start of his tenure. A statement will be sent out to the rest of the division should they secure a rare win at Anfield on Sunday.

Here’s the team Maresca could pick to face Liverpool.

GK: Robert Sanchez – Sanchez’s recent indifference may spark calls for Filip Jorgensen to come in, but the Spaniard remain Maresca’s first choice for the time being.

RB: Malo Gusto – Captain Reece James is in contention for the first time this season having recovered from a hamstring injury, but it’d be a surprise to see him come straight into the starting XI. Minutes off the bench are more likely with Gusto set to keep his place.

CB: Tosin Adarabioyo – Wesley Fofana’s suspension means there will be a chance for summer arrival Tosin, who’s received the bulk of his minutes in Europe this term.

CB: Levi Colwill – There will be a few changes to Chelsea’s backline, but England international Colwill will remain at the heart of it.

LB: Renato Veiga – Marc Cucurella is also suspended and there are doubts over Ben Chilwell’s status for this one. Veiga, who’s impressed as a versatile defensive operator in Europe, is set to make his first Premier League start on Sunday.

CM: Enzo Fernandez – Enzo is on the clock, with Chelsea supporters starting to lose patience with the absurdly expensive midfielder. Romeo Lavia is knocking on the door having returned from injury before the break.

CM: Moises Caicedo – Caicedo has enjoyed a bright start to the season and he’s going to have to be at his absolute best this weekend against a distinctly fluid Liverpool midfield.

RM: Noni Madueke – It’s been a productive start to the season for Madueke – now an England international. The winger scored during Chelsea’s 1-1 draw with Nottingham Forest two weeks ago.

AM: Cole Palmer – After a subdued break with the national team, Palmer will be keen to dominate on the big stage this weekend.

LM: Jadon Sancho – Sancho looks at home in west London, and he’s made this spot in Maresca’s XI his own. He’ll see plenty of Trent Alexander-Arnold in this one.

ST: Nicolas Jackson – Jackson’s got to be crafty against an excellent Liverpool centre-back pairing. The Chelsea striker has four Premier League goals to his name this term and he should be fresh for this one after skipping international duty.

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