The Chelsea fans in the Football Transfer Tavern are optimistic about this one…
Chelsea vs Liverpool games are always one of the busiest games of the season here in the Football Transfer Tavern.
The sides have built quite the rivalry in recent years, with the pair contesting a number of huge games from Champions League semi-finals to domestic cup finals.
The games are never void of controversy, and this fixture will likely prove no different.
The Chelsea fans in the Tavern have enjoyed their clubs start to the season, and boast an undefeated record thus far. A minor blip at Swansea aside, Antonio Conte’s men have made an excellent start to their latest campaign.
The Reds will no doubt prove a tough test for the Blues, but our landlord is backing them to come out on top.
With that said, this 4-2-3-1 Chelsea XI will dominate Liverpool on Friday night…Agreed?
GK – Thibaut Courtois
The Belgian shot stopper is Chelsea’s undisputed number 1 – and that won’t change against Liverpool.
His failure to prevent a penalty against Swansea has put question marks over his head according to the Chelsea faithful in the Tavern, but it would take a very bold man to bet against Courtois coming back with a huge performance this weekend.
RB – Branislav Ivanovic
The Serbian came in for criticism in the Tavern last season, but he has looked impressive so far this year.
He will need to be on his game to deal with Liverpool’s offensive threats, most notably Mane – but our landlord thinks that he’s up to the challenge.
In John Terry’s absence (spoiler) – you would expect Ivanovic to captain the side.
CB – Gary Cahill
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His leadership will be vital in the absence of JT too – but he will excel.
Look for him to bounce back after the disappointment at the Liberty stadium.
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Huge call!
John Terry looks set to miss the game after suffering an injury against Swansea, and David Luiz is in line to make his second Chelsea debut.
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No worries having Luiz in the defence from the Chelsea faithful in the Tavern.
LB – Cesar Azpilicueta
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Expect a solid, if not unspectacular, performance from Azpilicueta this Friday.
A Tavern fan favourite.
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N’Golo Kante has settled into life at Stamford Bridge well and has immediately proven that he is worth his huge price tag.
He will have a huge job on his hands to control Liverpool’s attacks – but you would bet your house on him coming through unscathed.
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The Belgian maestro looks back to his best this season, and just at the right time.
The Chelsea fans in the Tavern will DEMAND a huge performance from Hazard on Friday. In order to prove that he is back to his best, he must do it on the biggest stage.
There are fewer bigger stages for the Chelsea faithful than a clash with Liverpool.
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Many in the Tavern touted him for a Stamford Bridge exit this summer, but Conte put his faith in Oscar – and he has duly repaid him.
The Brazilian midfielder has looked excellent so far this season, contributing to Chelsea’s attack whilst also proving essential to Chelsea’s defensive machine.
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CAM – Nemanja Matic
Playing further up the field, Nemanja Matic looks a new man under Antonio Conte.
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An essential part of the Chelsea attacking and defensive line.
RM – Willian
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His work rate is hugely undervalued, and that will be crucial against Liverpool’s pacey attack.
Expect more of the same from this consistent midfielder.
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He just can’t stay away from the news!
Diego Costa has been on fire so far this season, and he has continued his starring role as pantomime villain here in the Football Transfer Tavern.
Costa has proven prolific thus far, and you would bet your house on yet another goal against Liverpool.
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