Key man returns, attacker doubtful | Expected Liverpool line-up vs Chelsea

Liverpool will be looking to maintain their perfect start to the new Premier League campaign when they take on Chelsea on Sunday afternoon. Here is the team we expect Jurgen Klopp to select for the game:

Goalkeeper: Alisson Becker has made good progress in his recovery from a calf injury but is yet to resume full training so Adrian will continue to deputise between the sticks this weekend.

Defence: Andy Robertson came under fire for his disappointing performance during the defeat at Napoli on Tuesday night but a lot of it was unfair criticism for a player that’s become arguably the best left-back in Europe. No doubt Klopp will stick with him on Sunday while Trent Alexander-Arnold should retain his place at right-back.

Joe Gomez is pushing for a recall but I think Klopp will stick with Joel Matip in the back four while Liverpool will be looking for a big performance from Virgil van Dijk against in-form Chelsea striker Tammy Abraham this weekend.

Midfield: Naby Keita is back in full training and could return to the squad which will be a boost for Liverpool, however, the midfielder is unlikely to be thrown straight into the first team so a place on the bench is the best he can realistically hope for.

James Milner started for Liverpool during the 2-0 Champions League defeat to Napoli but I think he’ll drop back to the bench on Sunday. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Adam Lallana are options for the Reds but I think Gini Wijnaldum is the man most likely to be recalled.

Fabinho should retain his place in the holding role and Liverpool skipper Jordan Henderson is expected to start once again so Adam Lallana may have to settle for a place on the bench.

Attack: Liverpool’s much-feared front three had a rare off-night in Naples but I still don’t think Klopp will make any changes against Chelsea and he’ll stick with his preferred attack this weekend.

The attacking player closest to breaking into the first team is Divock Origi but he’s a major doubt with an ankle injury that he sustained against Newcastle United last weekend while I think Xherdan Shaqiri will have to make-do with a place on the bench.

That means Roberto Firmino will once again lead the line up front with Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane offering support to the Brazilian international at Stamford Bridge.

Here is how I think Liverpool will line up: