Liverpool and Chelsea meet for the first time after the dramatic sunday afternoon at Anfield late April last season, where Mourinho used ultra-defensive tactics to carve a sensational victory over in-form Liverpool thereby ruining Liverpool’s title aspirations. Both sides meet in different circumstances this Saturday though, as Chelsea have been unbeaten this season despite being inconsistent while Liverpool are struggling to cope with the pressure of handling the Champions League and the Premier League. Here is the combined XI from both the teams.
Goalkeeper: Thibaut Courtois (Chelsea)
He has been in good form. He has been unlucky with clean sheets because of some late sloppy goals conceded by the team, but Courtois will definitely edge his compatriot Simon Mignolet of Liverpool, as he has been rather inconsistent for the Reds.
Right Back: Branislav Ivanovic (Chelsea)
The Serbian is a solid Right Back and a winger’s nightmare. He is strong, aggressive and decisive in this position as he offers a wide aerial threat as well as a target man when he moves forward. A very crucial player for Chelsea.
Center Back: Gary Cahill (Chelsea)
Cahill is one of the best central defenders in the league. He is a consistent defender who enjoys his job. He has been an excellent partner for John Terry since joining the club.
Center Back: John Terry (Chelsea)
Chelsea’s skipper John Terry has been in decent form this season. He has been comfortable at the back guiding and leading the team as usual.
Left Back: Cesar Azpilicueta (Chelsea)
He has been described as the league’s best defender by pundits and former stars Gary Neville and Jamie Carragher. Azpilicueta is aggressive, intense and decisive in his defending. He’s an out and out defender.
Central Defensive Midfield: Nemanja Matic (Chelsea)
He is described by many as the best defensive midfielder in the league with his ability to win back possession and keep the ball rolling. Also his eye for a crucial pass and the ability to start counter attacks makes him a top performer for Chelsea.
Central Midfield: Cesc Fabregas (Chelsea)
Chelsea’s new man already has 1 goal and 9 assists this season in 10 Premier League games. His play-making has been extremely crucial to Chelsea’s tremendous start to the season. Fabregas literally runs the game show from the middle of the park for the Blues.
Central Attacking Midfield: Oscar (Chelsea)
Oscar has been lively and decisive off late with his performances. He has been chipping in with crucial goals while his work rate ensures his position in the team.
Left Wing: Eden Hazard (Chelsea)
Another in-form Chelsea player who has been a defender’s nightmare this season. He is the player who has started attacks from scratch with his flair and technique. His stats have been average but his impact has been enormous.
Right Wing: Raheem Sterling (Liverpool)
The young Englishman is the only Liverpool player who can fit into the team with the in-form Chelsea stars. Chelsea have had a slightly weak spot in their attacking midfield as both Schürrle and Willian haven’t been in the best of forms. Sterling on the other hand has been Liverpool’s best player.
Striker: Diego Costa (Chelsea)
Costa is the Blues top scorer with 9 goals and he is second in the Premier League top scorers’ list behind Aguero who has scored 1 goal more. Costa is a hardworking, clinical and belligerent striker who’s lifted Chelsea with his goals.