A jittery Liverpool will welcome a confident Chelsea to the Anfield as they look to make a desperate attempt to remain in contention for a shot at the title this season. The honeymoon period for Liverpool is over and after a fantastic start, things have fallen apart this year. In 8 matches they have played so far, the Reds have managed a solitary, narrow 1-0 win over Plymouth in a replay between the two sides. It is just not good enough for a team who were the frontrunners to dislodge Chelsea from the summit.
Chelsea, on the other hand, will look to avoid the same mistakes they did against Tottenham Hotspur, their only loss in the last 17 games out of which they have won 16. The Blues are well and truly the favourites and it will take something special for Jurgen Klopp to revitalise the dwindling fortunes of his band of gegenpressing boys who need more than that to notch up 3 points.
There simply has to be a plan B, which we haven’t seen this far from the Anfield outfit. After going a year without any loss at home, Liverpool now have lost thrice on the bounce against Swansea, Southampton and Wolves. A loss has to be avoided at any cost.
Let us take a look at the combined XI comprising of the players of the two teams. No surprises as to who leads the way with the numbers.
COMBINED LIVERPOOL & CHELSEA LINE-UP (4-2-3-1)
DEFENCE
Thibaut Courtois is the natural choice in goal with both Karius and Mignolet failing to convince this season. At right-back, we are going with Azpilicueta who has been a revelation playing on the right hand of the back 3 and has proved his mettle at right and left-back previously. Gary Cahill and David Luiz are the central defensive pairing with both the players being in immense form this season. It was a tough call between Milner and Alonso and we are going with Milner simply because of his experience and consistency despite being played out of position.
MIDFIELD
The double pivot will comprise of Kante and Henderson. Kante can walk into probably any team in the Premier League right now and this is no different. It was a close call with Henderson, Matic and Fabregas but the fact that Henderson is fast becoming a leader at the centre of the park at Anfield encouraged us to select him. Adam Lallana is our preferred choice in the No.10 role with the Englishman in good form prior to the match.
ATTACK
Eden Hazard pips Coutinho who was out injured for a long while and is not yet back to full fitness. On the right-hand side, Pedro gets a nod ahead of Sadio Mane is a huge doubt going into the match. Diego Costa is the undisputed choice up front.
MANAGER- ANTONIO CONTE
