Liverpool-Chelsea combined XI

Midfielders

The creative man in the middle

This is another aspect where Chelsea are much stronger than the Reds. But there is still place for one Anfield players in this 3-man midfield: Philippe Coutinho. The Brazilian’s creativity and directness would make him a headache for the opponents.

Of course, his bursting runs into the box and brilliant scoring abilities will mean that he provides a scoring threat from the centre of the park. To partner him and back him up with defensive muscle – which will allow him to make his signature adventurous forays – N’Golo Kante and Tiemoue Bakayoko will sit just behind him in what would look like an inverse trivote.

It is difficult to get past the French duo

Both Kante and Bakayoko have the tendency to make lung-bursting forward runs without the opponents noticing, giving an extra man in attack to their team. However, their composure and responsible natures keep their attacking urges under check, providing the team with proper steel in midfield.

With the French duo behind the Brazilian, Coutinho will be able to attack with complete freedom and will not have to worry about his defence – which perhaps doesn’t allow him to sleep well at night at Liverpool.