Predicted Chelsea XI to face Liverpool: Bruno picks first XI since Potter sacking as Fofana, Kante & Mount decisions made

Bruno Saltor will be hoping to get off to a winning start after taking over from Graham Potter on an interim basis following his Chelsea sacking.

Having gone unbeaten in March, Chelsea suffered a 2-0 defeat to Aston Villa on Saturday and it proved to be Potter’s final game in charge as the hierarchy opted to make a change.

Saltor has been been in charge on a temporary basis and will oversee the squad until a successor is named, a process which will be exhaustive and thorough. Up to seven names are being considered for the job, according to reports.

Chelsea vs Liverpool: Live stream, TV channel, kick-off time, team news and prediction

But the focus is on Liverpool and Saltor wants the supporters to get behind the team as he takes on the responsibility of naming his first ever starting XI.

“It’s the player no.12 and it’s a massive difference when there’s that energy in the stadium,” Saltor told Sky Sports of the support. “We saw that against Dortmund and that’s what we need.”

He added: “I’ve been coaching for four years and I’ve been under Graham, he’s been the manager and always had the last word. It’s quite clear that’s not going to be the case. Tomorrow is going to be the first time (selecting a starting XI). I feel good, it’s my duty, it’s a responsibility and I’m in a really important club and I want to try my best.”

So how could Chelsea line-up against Liverpool?

Possible XI: Kepa, Fofana, Koulibaly, Cucurella, James, Fernandez, Kovacic, Chilwell, Felix, Mudryk, Havertz

Edouard Mendy, Thiago Silva and Cesar Azpilicueta look set to all be ruled out. Wesley Fofana just missed the Villa defeat and has been in training ahead of Liverpool, so will be pushing for a return to the Chelsea side.

Reece James may switch back to his favoured role at right wing-back, with Enzo Fernandez and Mateo Kovacic in the middle of the park. Ben Chilwell will continue at left wing-back.

Mason Mount and N’Golo Kante are both fit for selection but will likely start from the bench and hope for more minutes as they make their returns from injuries.

Kai Havertz and Joao Felix are set to continue in attack. Raheem Sterling will be pushing to be involved, while Mykhailo Mudryk impressed in a short cameo in the reverse fixture and Bruno could look to use his pace to exploit the Liverpool defence.