Chelsea vs Liverpool lineups, starting 11s for Premier League 2023/24 season opener at Stamford Bridge

Two big Premier League clubs hoping for an improvement on last season clash at Stamford Bridge as Chelsea and Liverpool open their league campaigns.

Both sides finished outside the top four in 2022/23, missing out on Champions League football this season. Yet both have spent furiously in the transfer market, hoping to retool their respective squads in a bid for a move back up the table.

Liverpool swapped out their midfield almost entirely, as Jurgen Klopp brought in a slew of new cogs as club legends like Jordan Henderson and James Milner departed. Chelsea, meanwhile, continued to chop and change the roster as owner Todd Boehly swings transfer deals across the globe.

As both clubs hope to kick-start a revived league season, one side could see the new campaign begin in disappointing fashion.

MORE: Premier League top goal scorers for 2023/24 season

Chelsea vs Liverpool lineups

Both sides are dealing with injuries, but it’s Chelsea that have the far worse situation as the campaign gets underway. The preseason U.S. tour was not kind to new manager Mauricio Pochettino, as a number of key players are missing from selection.

Jurgen Klopp, meanwhile, has completely retooled his central midfield for high expense amidst claims that Liverpool cannot keep up financially with the rest of the Premier League giants.

Chelsea starting 11

Chelsea projected starting lineup (4-2-3-1): 31. Sanchez (GK) — 24. James, 6. T. Silva, 14. Chalobah, 21. Chilwell — 5. E. Fernandez, 23. Gallagher — 17. Sterling, 30. Chukwuemeka, 15. Mudryk — 43. Jackson.

• Injured: Wesley Fofana (knee, out), Christopher Nkunku (knee, out), Benoit Badiashile (groin, out), Armando Broja (knee, out), Marcus Bettinelli (undisclosed, out), Noni Madueke (hamstring, doubt).
• Suspended: None.

Chelsea are struggling mightily with a host of injuries to start the season. Wesley Fofana and Christopher Nkunku are out with long-term injuries, while Benoit Badiashile, Armando Broja, and backup goalkeeper Marcus Bettinelli are also unlikely to play a part in this match.

Noni Madueke is likely available for selection, but after a hamstring injury messed with his preseason ramp-up, he may not be ready for a start just yet. Robert Sanchez will start in goal after the Blues saw Kepa Arrizabalaga move to Real Madrid on loan, with Los Blancos needing to replace the injured Thibaut Courtois.

Liverpool starting 11

Liverpool projected starting lineup (4-2-3-1): 1. Alisson (GK) — 66. Alexander-Arnold, 5. Konate, 4. Van Dijk, 26. Robertson — 8. Szoboszlai, 43. Bajcetic, 10. Mac Allister — 11. Salah, 18. Gakpo, 20. Jota.

• Injured: Thiago (hip, doubt), Stefan Bajcetic (fitness, doubt)
• Suspended: None.

With Mohamed Salah the first name on the Liverpool team sheet, that leaves Cody Gakpo, Diogo Jota, and Luis Diaz to battle for the other two forward spots. New midfield signings Dominic Szoboszlai and Alexis Mac Allister should be set to each make their Liverpool debut.

Thiago is a major part of this Liverpool midfield, but his recent transfer flirtations with Saudi Arabia have been a preseason distraction and he may not be ready to start. Either Stefan Bajcetic or Curtis Jones will replace him if needed.

Chelsea vs Liverpool live stream, TV channel

Here’s how to watch this Premier League match across selected areas of the world’s major regions:

MORE: Watch Premier League matches live with Fubo in USA

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