“Start him against Liverpool. He’ll give Van Dijk a tough time.” Mikel Obi recommends that Enzo Maresca should start the 26-year-old Chelsea player in the upcoming match against Liverpool.

After the international break, Chelsea will take on Liverpool, and Mikel Obi has encouraged Maresca to start a Chelsea player who could pose a significant threat to Virgil van Dijk.

On his Obi One Podcast, Mikel Obi suggested that Christopher Nkunku should start against Liverpool, as he could be a significant challenge for Virgil van Dijk. “I think so,” Mikel said when asked if Nkunku could play as a number nine and compete with Nicolas Jackson for that role.

He acknowledged Jackson’s recent form, scoring in consecutive games against Wolves and Crystal Palace, but emphasized that players like Nkunku could also fit the false nine position.

Mikel added, “Nkunku frustrates defenders, and Van Dijk will struggle against him. We need a player like Nkunku to start such a game.” He also discussed how Chelsea could maximize their attacking options, suggesting more freedom for players like Jadon, Cole Palmer, Madueke, Nkunku, or João Felix to rotate positions.

Regarding Liverpool’s lineup, early reports indicate that they will be without Alexis Mac Allister, who was taken off against Crystal Palace due to a groin injury. Mac Allister joined Argentina’s national team, but manager Lionel Scaloni stated he has not been able to train, making his availability uncertain.

Harvey Elliott is out with a fractured foot, and Federico Chiesa’s status remains unclear after missing the Palace game. Caoimhin Kelleher is expected to be available for selection after recovering from an illness.

For Chelsea, Reece James continues to be sidelined with a hamstring injury, with no definite return date. Omari Kellyman is also out until around November or December.

Marc Cucurella and Wesley Fofana are suspended after picking up their fifth yellow cards against Nottingham Forest, while Carney Chukwuemeka, who missed recent games due to illness, is expected to return. Levi Colwill and Noni Madueke, despite being substituted in the Forest match, have been named in England’s squad, indicating no major concerns.