The Reds have not won a league game this calendar year and need all three points to maintain their hope of chasing Chelsea at the summit of the table.
For tonight’s showdown clash at Anfield, Chelsea have a full fit squad to select the starting eleven from. Whereas, Liverpool will be ecstatic to welcome Sadio Mane back into the fray after his stint with Senegal in the African Cup of Nations.
Danny Ings and Marko Grujic are long-term absentees for the Reds while Nathaniel Clyne has not trained with the squad recently with a rib injury. Let’s take a look at the combined eleven from Liverpool and Chelsea based on the current season’s form and availability:
Goalkeeper - Thibaut Courtois
The Belgian was a no-brainer choice to select a custodian between these two sides. Both Simon Mignolet and Loris Karius have failed to establish themselves as a consistent choice between the posts. Courtois, on the other hand, has returned to his best form this season which was evident with his athletic saves against Hill City in Chelsea’s last game. Courtois can be a world class entity on his day which is not the case for either of the Liverpool keepers.
Defenders
Right back - Cesar Azpilicueta
Though the Spaniard has done extremely well to adjust to his new centre-back role, he is primarily a right back and is one of the best in the business on the right flank. With Clyne being a doubt for tonight’s game, Azpilicueta is miles ahead of Victor Moses who has played in a right wing-back role and also of Liverpool’s youngster, Trent Alexander Arnold.
Azpilicueta is the unsung hero of Chelsea’s rise this season and deserves a place in the league’s team of the season.
Centre back - Joel Matip
Matip’s absence proved to be disastrous for the Reds as the Cameroonian is the only defender in Liverpool’s squad who brings a sense of calm to the Reds’ backline. His performances have been brilliant since his move in the summer and is a better all-round defender than Gary Cahill who is prone to making errors one way or the another.
Centre back - David Luiz
Three at the back formation has worked wonders for Luiz since his move in August and has resurrected his faltering career under Antonio Conte. His ball playing abilities have been used to perfection by the manager and is paying dividends for Chelsea’s run to Premier League glory
He is an obvious upgrade to Dejan Lovren who still has not convinced his place in the team as a result of his poor positioning sense.
Left back - Marcos Alonso
Despite James Milner adjusting well in his new role at left back, Alonso has been a solid support for the Blues. His performance against Leicester City was exceptional and is better defensively than the English veteran. Though Chelsea are set to upgrade on Alonso in the summer, the former Bolton defender has done extremely well for the Blues in providing an extra dimension going forward.
Midfield
Centre midfield - N’golo Kante
Kante can soon become the first player to win back to back league titles with two different clubs. The Frenchman is leading the charts with the most interceptions this season and his importance is rising with each passing week. Kante’s work rate is one of the most efficient in the league but choosing him was made difficult by Jordan Henderson who also has performed splendidly for the Reds this campaign.
Centre midfield - Adam Lallana
England’s player of 2016 has seen his stocks rise with a stellar 16/17 season. He has slowly increased his value to the team and is now the Reds’ most improved player under Jurgen Klopp. His creativity and movement off the ball have been admired and has slotted in perfectly in Liverpool’s three-man midfield.
With six goals and six assists, Lallana is an obvious choice in the team ahead of Cesc Fabregas.
Centre midfield - Philippe Coutinho
Coutinho was badly missed by Liverpool when he got injured in November but the Brazilian is now fully fit and is understandably Liverpool’s biggest threat against a solid Chelsea side. He is gaining interest from FC Barcelona which reflects his consistent showing for the Reds this season. On his day, Coutinho is one of the best players in the league and is a must in every combined eleven which involves Liverpool.
Forwards
Left wing - Eden Hazard
One of Chelsea’s best player this season, Hazard has done exceedingly well this season after a disappointing last term for the Blues. As Liverpool depend on Coutinho for creativity, Chelsea bank on Hazard to be a menace for the opposition’s back line. Hazard is back among the goals for Chelsea and his understanding with Diego Costa and Pedro has helped Chelsea to attack incessantly.
Right wing - Sadio Mane
Liverpool’s dismal run coincided with Mane’s absence as the Reds were longing for a quick return of the blistering winger back from the AFCON. He is the top scorer for the Reds in the league this season with nine goals and is available to face Chelsea tonight. His pace and directness have been sorely missed and Liverpool may find their cutting edge once Mane returns to the starting lineup.
Striker - Diego Costa
Costa has put his feud with Conte behind him and is back to haunt Liverpool once again. He has a good scoring record against the Reds and is Chelsea’s top scorer this season with 15 goals.
Daniel Sturridge can be a world beater when on song but has failed to impress Jurgen Klopp to start big games for Liverpool this season. Roberto Firmino might feel unlucky to miss out but with the form of this lineups’ attacking options, the Brazilian cannot fit in in his favoured position.
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