Chelsea’s return to Premier League action pits them against a formidable Liverpool side, currently perched atop the table. However, with Cole Palmer sidelined, Enzo Maresca faces a daunting challenge to ignite a creative spark in the Blues’ attack. Sitting eighth in a tightly packed league, Chelsea are tantalizingly close to the Champions League spots, and a bold tactical move could propel them up the standings. One player, despite a lackluster showing in the recent Benfica clash, might hold the key: Alejandro Garnacho.
Liverpool’s defense, while formidable on paper, has shown cracks, particularly at right-back. With a different player occupying the position in each of their last six matches, the Reds’ backline lacks cohesion—an opportunity Chelsea must seize. Galatasaray recently exposed this weakness, and Maresca could look to Garnacho to do the same. The 21-year-old Argentine winger thrives when attacking the right-back channel, using his blistering pace and directness to unsettle defenders.
Against Benfica, Garnacho’s performance was far from his best, earning a modest 6.8 rating from FotMob, the lowest among Chelsea’s starters. Yet, his relentless drive was undeniable. It was his incisive run and pinpoint cut-back that forced an own goal, proving his ability to influence games even on off days. His knack for attacking the back post and his growing chemistry with Pedro Neto hint at a partnership that could trouble Liverpool’s shaky defense.
Maresca’s squad has been plagued by injuries and suspensions, disrupting any chance of a settled starting XI. New signings are still finding their feet, but the time for experimentation is running out. To build fluency in the final third, Maresca must commit to a core group of attackers, and Garnacho deserves a sustained run in the lineup. His raw energy and fearless approach could provide the edge Chelsea need to break down a Liverpool side that, despite their lofty position, has looked vulnerable. Their loss to Crystal Palace exposed a fragility that Chelsea can exploit with the right game plan.
On the Son of Chelsea podcast, analyst Daniel Childs championed Garnacho’s potential to shine in Palmer’s absence, urging Maresca to back the young winger alongside another rising star, Estevao. “Garnacho’s intent and ability to take shots, even pre-Benfica, is something you want in the team,” Childs noted. “And Estevao—whether he’s playing as a No. 10, on the right, or the left—brings trickery, bravery, and confidence that Chelsea desperately need.”
Estevao, despite his youth, exudes a maturity that belies his age. His flair and willingness to take risks could complement Garnacho’s directness, forming a dynamic attacking unit capable of unsettling Liverpool. Childs emphasized the need for consistency, arguing that both players should be fixtures in the starting lineup to build cohesion and momentum. “You don’t have Cole Palmer, and we’re not sure when he’ll return,” Childs added. “Estevao and Garnacho need to play. They bring excitement and a spark that Chelsea fans are craving.”
Starting Garnacho against Liverpool is a gamble, but it’s one Maresca must take. The young winger’s performance against Benfica may have drawn criticism, but his ability to create decisive moments in the final third cannot be ignored. With Liverpool’s defense far from impregnable, Garnacho’s pace and tenacity could be the difference-maker. Paired with Estevao’s flair, Chelsea have a chance to field an attack that is both unpredictable and electrifying.
As the Blues look to climb the Premier League table, Maresca’s decision to trust his young stars could define their season. A victory over Liverpool would not only boost Chelsea’s top-four hopes but also signal that this new-look attack is ready to take on the league’s best. The stage is set for Garnacho to silence his critics and prove he’s the man to unlock Liverpool’s defense.