Liverpool Prepare for Chelsea with Rotation on the Cards
Liverpool’s return to Stamford Bridge this weekend arrives with the luxury of the Premier League title already sealed. Arne Slot’s side wrapped up the trophy with four games to spare following a 5-1 rout of Tottenham at Anfield last weekend.
With silverware secured and the pressure lifted, the focus now turns to managing minutes, assessing squad depth, and building momentum towards next season. Slot has already confirmed that rotation is on the agenda for Sunday’s trip to face Chelsea.
“My lineups will be different to what we’ve had the last 10 months, (we) won’t change everyone but there will be some rotation. Not to say we will lose, we have a lot of trust in those (players),” he said.
“I think some of the players deserved to play earlier because they have trained so well and are good enough, but I mainly chose the same players so I see where they are looking ahead to next season a bit, but also because they deserve to play this season.”
Young talents set for chances
Among those pushing for more involvement is Harvey Elliott, who has impressed with his attitude and application, but has been limited to substitute appearances in recent months. Slot will also be weighing up whether to hand summer signing Federico Chiesa a rare start. The Italian forward has featured sparingly, but with the title sewn up, there’s an opportunity for him to make his mark.
Supporters are eager to see both players given a platform to prove they can be part of the long-term picture at Anfield. Slot appears ready to oblige, though it’s clear changes will be measured rather than wholesale.
Defensive options boosted by Bradley return
Conor Bradley is back in training and in contention after missing the win over Spurs with a minor knock sustained in training. The Northern Ireland international, who only recently returned from a hamstring injury, has impressed since breaking into the first team this season and could be on the bench at Stamford Bridge.
“He will train with us today, so that’s the first start and let’s see how he does,” Slot said on Friday.
“We expect him to be available. I don’t know if that means that he is available to start, but if all goes well today and tomorrow he will probably be in the squad, yeah.”
His availability offers further flexibility to Slot, especially with Trent Alexander-Arnold back fit and delivering a solid performance against Tottenham.
Joe Gomez remains Liverpool’s only confirmed absentee, as he continues his recovery from hamstring surgery.
Midfield and attacking changes likely
The midfield is another area where Slot has options. Wataru Endo, Curtis Jones and Elliott are all in line for starts, while Ryan Gravenberch could also retain his place after a tidy showing last time out.
Up front, Mohamed Salah is expected to feature once again, though there will be competition between Diogo Jota and Darwin Núñez for a central striking role. Chiesa’s inclusion would likely see him start on the left, with Salah operating from his usual right-sided berth.
Alisson is likely to continue in goal, with Caoimhín Kelleher ready if needed. Kostas Tsimikas and Jarell Quansah will also be considered in defence as Slot balances game time with keeping key personnel sharp.
Predicted Liverpool XI:
Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Quansah, Van Dijk, Tsimikas; Gravenberch, Elliott, Jones; Salah, Chiesa, Jota
There may be no title at stake on Sunday, but the trip to west London still matters. For several Liverpool players, it could be a chance to shape their futures at the club.
