Chelsea squeezed a win out of their trip to the Czech Republic as Marcos Alonso's goal put them 1-0 up in their Europa League tie.
Maurizio Sarri made seven changes to his side against Slavia Prague but was forced to call upon the cavalry and bring on Eden Hazard, N'Golo Kante and Ruben Loftus-Cheek as his side searched for a goal late into the second half.
The Italian clearly had one eye on Chelsea's match versus Liverpool this weekend with Callum Hudson-Odoi not even making it to the bench.
The Blues' clashes against the Premier League leaders have been tight affairs so far this season with Chelsea being 2-1 victors in the Carabao Cup and the first league meeting ending in a 1-1 draw.
'Sarri in!' - these fans love Chelsea's starting XI as Blues boss drops Liverpool hint
The Reds have won six consecutive matches heading into the fixture but former Stamford Bridge boss Glenn Hoddle believes one tactic twist from Sarri could give his side a chance.
The Spurs legend noted the quality of Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andrew Robertson and believes that Eden Hazard needs some freedom from tracking them back.
The BT Sport pundit said: "I would play Hazard in a different role, off the front so he doesn't have to track back, and surprise Liverpool a bit.
"Because those Liverpool fullbacks at Anfield, wow, they get forward and I can just see the poor lad having to track back, or someone has then got to cover his position and then you are open in midfield. I can see Chelsea getting a draw then."
Maurizio Sarri transcript: Every word on Chelsea suffering, beating Slavia Prague & more
Liverpool condemn racist Mo Salah video as Chelsea block fans from attending Slavia Prague match
Keep up to date with the latest news, features and exclusives from football.london via the free football.london app for iPhone and Android.
Available to download from the App Store and Google Play.
