Team news
Enzo Maresca says he will be without ‘seven or eight players’ for the contest.
Palmer is absent through injury, while Chalobah will miss the game due to suspension.
Tosin Adarabioyo, Levi Colwill, Liam Delap, Dario Essugo, Wesley Fofana and Andrey Santos have all been sidelined for the Blues.
What they said
Chelsea head coach Maresca
“I consider them the best team, at this moment, in England. We are improving, trying to solve problems and find solutions. At the end, we are going to be there close.
“It’s about continuing to evolve. Our defensive line was very good last year. In terms of goals conceded, we were after Liverpool and Arsenal, so it showed we did something important, but it’s not enough.
“You always have to try to evolve, to try to add things, and to try to do better. Now, we are trying to do exactly the same.”
Pre-match stats
Chelsea have won just one of the last 11 meetings between the clubs in all competitions (seven draws, three Liverpool victories). However, it was the most recent clash, in May.Fernandez has been directly involved in 10 Premier League goals in 2025 so far (six goals, four assists). Only Bruno Fernandes (11) has more goals and assists among central midfielders.Five of the Blues’ 11 league goals this term have come from corners.Maresca’s side have recorded the highest passing accuracy figure in the division so far this season (87.4 per cent).
