Thomas Tuchel has made five changes to his Chelsea side that drew 1-1 with Brighton, hoping to get one over top three rivals Liverpool.
One notable absence is that of summer signing Romelu Lukaku, whose recent interview with Sky Italia with has raised some eyebrows.
The interview is said to have taken place three weeks ago, though the recent release has seen the Belgian discuss his unhappiness in the early periods of his return to Stamford Bridge.
In his pre-match press conference, Tuchel discussed the interview and said: “We don't like it, of course, because it brings noise that we don't need and is not helpful.
"But on the other side, we don't want to make more out of it than it actually is."
The exclusion in such a high profile game has laid down a marker from the Blues boss, who has opted for Kai Havertz up front instead.
Trevoh Chalobah and Thiago Silva return to the line-up, with Cesar Azpilicueta and Marcos Alonso starting as the wing-backs.
Havertz is introduced to the front line alongside Mason Mount and Christian Pulisic.
Chelsea drew 1-1 in the reverse fixture with the Reds at Anfield, but they are without a number of players that played in that game.
The same goes for Liverpool, who have lost goalkeeper Alisson Becker heading into the fixture. Both sides are a number of points off of leaders Manchester City, hoping that a win will close the gap on the Citizens.
Chelsea fans took to social media following the team announcement and were split over the decisions.
@ForeverBlue_07: "I just hope if we lose today, no one should blame Tuchel for taking Lukaku out of the squad, he did the right thing, no one's bigger than the club."
@CFCMod_: "KAI HAVERTZ MY STRIKER."
@YasinSheble: "Alonso and Azpi vs salah and mane we’re finished."
@CFCSheikh: "Thiago Silva, Ngolo Kante starting and Havertz up top. What a lineup. Come on Chelsea."
@MobyChe: "Pulisic Lw? Let's see how he does. Hopefully does well."
@TheTimoEra_: "No way Alonso and Azpi face Salah and Mane at wingback."
@JaackCFC: "Azpi and Alonso VS Salah and mane, someone get 2 ambulances on standby."
