With Romelu Lukaku, there is always a risk that he can hinder and distract whatever team he is on, given his personality. That’s been among the major knocks on him, as he’s never been the greatest dressing room guy. The big Belgian may have disrupted team chemistry now, as he called out the tactics of his own manager Thomas Tuchel.
He also professed his love for his former club, Inter Milan, letting it be known that he wishes to return there someday soon. Yikes! Does Tuchel bench him against Liverpool on Sunday for this? He needs to make an example, right? Or does he have no choice but to play him?
Liverpool vs Chelsea FYIs
Kick off: 11:30am ET, Sunday Jan 2, Stamford Bridge
Team News: Chelsea Liverpool FC
Starting XI Predictions: Chelsea Liverpool FC
Premier League Preview Podcast: go here
Odds: Chelsea +200 Draw +240 Liverpool FC +130
Form Guide: Chelsea DWDDW Liverpool FC LDWWW
TV: USA Network Online: Stream via NBCSports.com
Tuchel has an injury-riddled, covid-stricken club, so he does have some selection issues in the final third right now. When Chelsea host Liverpool on Sunday, it will be a match-up where the loser would likely be effectively eliminated from the league title race.
If there is no winner, and there is a draw, then the winner would essentially be first place Manchester City, as both their main competitors would have then dropped points in the quest to catch them.
Chelsea FC Starting XI (3-4-2-1) Prediction vs Liverpool
Mendy; Chalobah, Azpilicueta, Rudiger; Alonso, Jorginho, Kante, Pulisic; Mount, Ziyech; Lukaku
Prediction: Chelsea 2, Liverpool 1
Paul M. Banks is the owner/manager of The Bank (TheSportsBank.Net) and author of “Transatlantic Passage: How the English Premier League Redefined Soccer in America,” as well as “No, I Can’t Get You Free Tickets: Lessons Learned From a Life in the Sports Media Industry.”
He has regularly appeared in WGN, Sports Illustrated and the Chicago Tribune, and co-hosts the After Extra Time podcast. Follow him on Twitter and Instagram.