Liverpool vs Chelsea: Combined XI - Premier League 2020-21 

Liverpool and Chelsea will trade tackles on Thursday.
Liverpool and Chelsea will trade tackles on Thursday.

Liverpool will welcome Chelsea to Anfield on Thursday for the biggest midweek fixture in the 2020-21 Premier League.

The hosts have been in free fall since the turn of the year in what has turned out to be inarguably one the worst title defences in English football history. In stark contrast, Chelsea have rediscovered their best form since the appointment of Thomas Tuchel.

So, one of several sub-plots in the game is about whether the Blues will become the latest club to take down Liverpool on their own patch.

Anfield was once the most feared ground in all of Europe, with Jurgen Klopp's men going almost four years without suffering a defeat at home. However, since Burnley did what 68 others before them could not do, Liverpool have lost three consecutive league games at home; Brighton, Manchester City and Everton have all taken three points away from their league visits to Anfield.

A much-needed victory against Sheffield United on Sunday ended Liverpool's four-game skid as Chelsea played out a dour goalless draw with Manchester United.

In many ways, this is a straight knockout in the race for the top four, as just one point separates both sides in the league table.

With several world-beaters available for selection by both managers, let's take be a look at a hypothetical combined XI of Liverpool and Chelsea. A 4-3-3 formation has been considered.


Goalkeeper: Alisson Becker (Liverpool)

Alisson has been below par in recent weeks.
Alisson has been below par in recent weeks.

Alisson has been one of the worst culprits in Liverpool's recent skid. The formerly impenetrable goalkeeper has suddenly become shaky in recent weeks, making several mind-boggling errors in succession.

Edouard Mendy has impressed since signing for Chelsea and has helped bring stability to what was previously a problem area. The Senegal international is, however, not without a blemish. His struggles while playing out from the back serves as a potential Achilles heel for opponents to explore.

So, considering his superior experience in the competition, Alisson gets the nod.


Left-Back: Andrew Robertson (Liverpool)

Andrew Robertson is the best left-back in the Premier League at the moment.
Andrew Robertson is the best left-back in the Premier League at the moment.

Andrew Robertson has raised the bar for left-backs over the last few years. He has played a key role in the success enjoyed by Liverpool since his arrival from Hull City.

This season, however, has seen a drop off in performance from the Scotland captain, which has in turn has affected Liverpool's fortunes.

Nevertheless, he still edges out the Chelsea left-backs, chiefly because Tuchel's appointment has seen Ben Chilwell getting replaced by Marcos Alonso, who hasn't impressed enough.

Centre-backs: Thiago Silva and Kurt Zouma (both Chelsea)

Chelsea vs Wolverhampton Wanderers - Premier League
Chelsea vs Wolverhampton Wanderers - Premier League

Kurt Zouma has been one of the casualties since Tuchel's appointment, with his place taken by the rejuvenated Antonio Rudiger.

However, the fact that Liverpool have been decimated by injuries, particularly in the centre of defence, automatically rules out all their central defenders. Jurgen Klopp has used no fewer than 17 different centre-back combinations this season, with midfielders forced to play at the heart of defence.

Only one Liverpool center-back has played 10 league games this season, which is less than an adequate number to properly judge them.

By contrast, Thiago Silva has been impressive at the heart of defence for Chelsea; he has adapted to his new role as an on-field leader effortlessly. Injury has robbed him of the chance to impress under Thomas Tuchel, but their history together suggests he could play a key role when he returns to full fitness.

Kurt Zouma was also a mainstay under Frank Lampard, starting 15 of the club's first 17 Premier League matches. He also proved to be a considerable goal threat, with his four goals at one point making him Chelsea's second-highest goal-scorer.


Right-back: Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool)

Liverpool vs Manchester City - Premier League
Liverpool vs Manchester City - Premier League

Like Robertson on the opposite flank, Trent Alexander-Arnold is a crucial piece of Jurgen Klopp's attacking arsenal.

However, this season has seen the England international perform below expectations. He has not looked as assured going forward, and his previously pristine crosses have become wildly inconsistent, while he has also frequently lost possession.

Nevertheless, Chelsea's right-back Reece James, who although is on the right trajectory, has not done enough this season to dislodge the Liverpool number 66 from this hypothetical XI.

Reece James has also not been a mainstay under Tuchel, with Callum Hudson-Odoi preferred in the wing-back role instead.

Defensive midfield: Mateo Kovacic (Chelsea)

Everton vs Chelsea - Premier League
Everton vs Chelsea - Premier League

The Chelsea midfielder Mateo Kovacic narrowly edges Fabinho out, primarily because the Liverpool lynchpin has spent most of his time in central defence owing to his club's injury crisis.

Fabinho is also currently injured, while Mateo Kovacic has continued to blossom at Stamford Bridge both under Frank Lampard and now Thomas Tuchel.

The former Real Madrid man has started fulfiling the promise he showed in his early career and has morphed into one of the best holding midfielders in the Premier League.


Central Midfield: Jordan Henderson (Liverpool)

Liverpool vs Everton - Premier League
Liverpool vs Everton - Premier League

Jordan Henderson has been a revelation for Liverpool in the centre of the park. Despite not getting as much reverence as some of his more illustrious teammates, proof of the England international's importance lies in the fact that he was named the PFA Player of the Year in 2020.

The last few weeks have seen Liverpool's 30-year-old spend most of his time marshalling the defence, but he has gone about his job with minimum fuss despite playing in an unfamiliar position.

Nevertheless, the Liverpool captain still has the edge over other Chelsea midfielders and will also act as the skipper of the hypothetical combined XI.


Attacking Midfield: Mason Mount (Chelsea)

Southampton vs Chelsea - Premier League
Southampton vs Chelsea - Premier League

Frank Lampard was often criticised for overplaying Mason Mount, with many seeing his preferential treatment to his former Derby County prodigy as untenable. However, those criticisms have turned out to be largely unfounded, as Mason Mount is undoubtedly one of the most important players at Chelsea.

The England international might be lacking in the usual flair and technique associated with players in his position. But he makes up for that with his tireless work rate and business-like conduct on the field.

Criticism of his lack of technique is also greatly exaggerated, as the 22-year-old has considerably improved his passing and crossing ability. That is evident in his seven goal-contributions he has registered this season.

There was widespread belief that the appointment of Tuchel would see Mount lose his 'untouchable' status at Chelsea. But after getting benched in his first game in charge, the German tactician has realized Mount's importance at Stamford Bridge.

It says a lot about Mount's meteoric rise that he is able to keep out serial winner Thiago Alcantara as well as Chelsea's most expensive player Kai Havertz out of the starting lineup.

Left Forward: Sadio Mane (Liverpool)

Liverpool vs Everton - Premier League
Liverpool vs Everton - Premier League

All three attacking spots are filled by Liverpool players, as all the Chelsea attackers have floundered for most part of this campaign.

Sadio Mane leads the way on the left flank, where his direct style of play and extra physicality makes him a nightmare for opposition defenders.

The Senegal international has not been at his best this season but has still managed to contribute seven goals, which is more than any Chelsea forward has scored in the Premier League this term.


Central Forward: Roberto Firmino (Liverpool)

Sheffield United vs Liverpool - Premier League
Sheffield United vs Liverpool - Premier League

Roberto Firmino narrowly edges out Timo Werner primarily due to his understanding with his fellow Liverpool attackers.

The Reds' attacking trident is arguably the most potent in world football, and their almost telepathic understanding on the field has played no small part in their success.

Firmino contributes the least amount of goals, but his value lies in the unquantifiable aspects of the game; His hold-up play allows his teammates to run off his shoulder, while his little flicks draw out low-block defences and create space to exploit. Firmino generally does the right thing at the right time to ensure that his team's attack does not flicker out.

This season, the Brazil international has scored just six goals from 25 league matches, but no Chelsea striker has scored more. Firmino's understanding with Mane and Salah makes him walk straight into this hypothetical combined XI.


Right Forward: Mohamed Salah (Liverpool)

RB Leipzig vs Liverpool FC - UEFA Champions League Round of 16 Leg One
RB Leipzig vs Liverpool FC - UEFA Champions League Round of 16 Leg One

Mohamed Salah is arguably the best player in the Premier League, and his displays in the last four seasons have earned him the right to this claim.

This season, while his teammates might have struggled around him, the Liverpool number 11 continues to set the pace for other forwards in the league to follow.

The 28-year-old is on course for a third Golden Boot, having scored a league-high 17 goals. He has also weighed in with three assists for a total goal contribution of 20 from just 25 league games.

Mohamed Salah has scored more goals in the current campaign than all the Chelsea forwards combined, so his place in this combined XI is beyond any doubt.

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Edited by Bhargav