Liverpool v Chelsea: The combined XI

• Chelsea head to Anfield to battle Liverpool in an epic clash
• Both teams have world-class players in their squads
• We chose our Liverpool and Chelsea combined XI for this weekend’s match

Liverpool and Chelsea meet in the Premier League this weekend, with both teams desperate for a win to salvage their seasons.

We chose our Liverpool and Chelsea combined XI for this weekend’s match. Only players who are currently available have been included.

Goalkeeper: Alisson – Liverpool

Liverpool’s season has not gone as planned, but the Reds would be much worse if Alisson had not performed so well.
This season, the Brazilian has stopped 7.42 goals for Liverpool, more than any other goalkeeper in the Premier League. No other goalkeeper has prevented more than 6.50 goals in Europe’s top five leagues.

Right-back: Trent Alexander-Arnold – Liverpool

Trent in action for Liverpool. Photo/ ESPN.

Despite a drop in productivity this season, Alexander-Arnold is the standout selection at right-back in Reece James’ absence. Alexander-Arnold has won every major award available to him in his career, and he ranks third in the Premier League’s all-time list of defender assists.

Only Kevin De Bruyne has made more progressive passes this season. At the same time, Alexander-Arnold is second in the Premier League in through balls, passes into the penalty area, and expected assists, trailing only Newcastle’s Kieran Trippier.

Centre-back: Ibrahima Konate – Liverpool

Konate has been a lucky charm for Liverpool, and it took 18 months for him to suffer his first defeat when named to the starting lineup, which came in the recent defeat at Brentford. Jurgen Klopp’s team needs to improve, but the German believes Konate will emerge as a long-term leader of the Liverpool backline.

Centre-back: Thiago Silva – Chelsea

Thiago Silva has been solid for Chelsea.|PHOTO: Getty Images|

The 38-year-old has been Chelsea’s most consistent defender in a season of struggle at Stamford Bridge. Silva is the type of character which will ensure standards are maintained in west London. He is a natural leader with a burning desire to win.
Even as he approaches his forties, his own stats have barely dropped. He has made more clearances (74), interceptions (24), blocks (17), and successful passes (1185) than any other Chelsea player in the Premier League this season.

Left-back: Andy Robertson – Liverpool

The Scotland international has provided more assists this season (8) in all competitions than any other Liverpool player, a critical contribution given the maligned midfield’s lack of creativity.

Robertson’s work ethic and ability to deliver from wide areas have been instrumental in Liverpool’s recent success, with the 28-year-old recently passing Leighton Baines for the most Premier League assists provided by a defender in the division’s history.

Midfield: Kovacic – Chelsea

Mateo Kovacic has fallen short of his usual standards this season. Still, he remains a midfielder with a distinct skill set, capable of regaining, recycling, and progressing the ball easily.

The Croatian works tirelessly in the engine room and can cut through opposing lines with driving runs forward, making him a press-resistant talent who often comes alive when space is limited. Chelsea will expect more from Kovacic, who is capable of more than he has demonstrated recently.

Midfield: Thiago Alcantara – Liverpool

Thiago Alcantara in a past Premier League match for Liverpool.|PHOTO: Sky Sports|
PHOTO: Courtesy

Thiago, a brilliant technician with remarkable feet and awareness, has often been a cut above his overwhelmed teammates this season. The Spaniard has consistently matched his ball skills with a desire to win duels and regain possession but has been let down far too often by a lack of legs around him.

In a new-look midfield three that included teenager Stefan Bajcetic and Naby Keita, he shone in Liverpool’s FA Cup win at Wolves in midweek.

Midfield: Mason Mount – Chelsea

Chelsea’s Player of the Season for the past two seasons, the 24-year-old became the first Englishman to win the club award since Frank Lampard in 2009.

Mount had his best season in the Premier League last season, with 11 goals and ten assists. He was one of only three players, along with Mohamed Salah and Jarrod Bowen, to score 10 or more on each metric.

Right-wing: Mohamed Salah – Liverpool

Mohamed Salah is an undisputed Liverpool legend. Since returning to English football after a disappointing spell at Chelsea, the Egyptian has broken record after record.

Chelsea will meet the winger they allowed to leave west London this weekend, a decision that must still irritate the club’s hierarchy. Salah has played a key role in Liverpool’s recent success, scoring 173 goals in 282 games – only six players have ever scored more for the club.

Left-wing: Cody Gakpo – Liverpool

Liverpool’s new signing, Cody Gakpo.|PHOTO: Football365|

Despite an underwhelming start to his Liverpool career, the Netherlands international has arrived at a difficult time for the club. Still, there is optimism that he will make an impact after a period of adjustment.

He arrived in the winter window as the Eredivisie’s leading goalscorer and assist provider this season, with 30 goal involvements in 24 appearances for PSV. Three goals in the 2022 World Cup showcased his abilities at the highest level.

Forward: Darwin Nunez – Liverpool

Nunez has ten goals in 15 appearances across all competitions, averaging a goal or assists every 109 minutes in his debut season at Anfield. While the 23-year-old has come under fire for wasting chances in front of the goal, he possesses the raw talent to be a significant success in the Premier League.
This season, he leads the division in shots and shots on target per 90 minutes, and his combination of raw athleticism and power can unsettle Premier League defences.