EPL 2016-17: Chelsea vs Liverpool - Combined XI

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - MAY 11: Kolo Toure of Liverpool challenges Eden Hazard of Chelsea during the Barclays Premier League match between Liverpool and Chelsea on May 11, 2016 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Chris Brunskill/Getty Images)
Chelsea vs Liverpool has always been a feisty encounter

Chelsea welcome Liverpool today to Stamford Bridge as a blockbuster fixture between these two giants kick-start this game week. The Blues are one of the three teams to be unbeaten in the league after four games along with Man City and Everton.

Liverpool were handed a shocking beating by Burnley but have improved after a 1-1 draw with Spurs and a 4-1 humbling of Leicester.

Also Read: Luiz to replace injured Terry for Chelsea v Liverpool

Chelsea are on 10 points after a 2-2 draw with Swansea and will go on top if they beat the Reds. Chelsea have lost just one of the last eight Premier League games against Liverpool in which the one defeat coming in last season.

This coincided with Jurgen Klopp's first Premier League win in October 2015. Conte has not lost a home game as a manager in his last 30 matches with his last home loss coming in 2013.

Liverpool have been handed a fitness boost after Dejan Lovren recovering from his injury and will start alongside Joel Matip. Emre Can is expected to miss out after not having enough training with the squad.

For the Blues, John Terry is out with an ankle injury as he joins Kurt Zouma on the injury list. David Luiz is in line for his Chelsea debut after returning for a second stint.

Let's take a look at a combined lineup from both the sides as they get ready to battle it out on a Friday evening


Goalkeeper and Defenders

SWANSEA, WALES - SEPTEMBER 11:  Swansea player Gylfi Sigurdsson is brought down by Thibaut Courtois for the Swansea penalty during the Premier League match between Swansea City and Chelsea at Liberty Stadium on September 11, 2016 in Swansea, Wales.  (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)
Despite being prone to rash challenges, Courtois is one of the best goalkeepers in the league

Goalkeeper: Thibaut Courtois

Courtois conceded a penalty last week and has not been able to have more than one clean sheet as the Blues have concedes four goals in four games. But when compared to his compatriot Simon Mignolet, there is no doubt that the Chelsea man should start ahead of the error prone Mignolet.

Right-back: Nathaniel Clyne

Clyne is one of the first names on the team-sheet for the Reds whereas Ivanovic, on the other hand, has experienced a blip in his form since last season. Following the arrival of Marcos Alonso, his place in Chelsea's starting lineup is in serious doubt.

Centre-back: Gary Cahill

Cahill has played every game under Conte till now and had also scored a goal against Liverpool in the preseason. He is an upgrade on the likes of Dejan Lovren and Ragnar Klavan as he is also emerging as a leader for the Blues as Chelsea prepare for life after John Terry.

Centre-back: Joel Matip

The Cameroonian has established himself as a definite starter for the Reds after his impressive showing against Spurs and Leicester. His ball playing abilities are essential in a team for starting attacks from the back and is a constant threat from set pieces.

Left-back: Cesar Azpilicueta

Another easy choice as Liverpool are playing James Milner at left back this season replacing the erratic Alberto Moreno. The Spaniard is better defensively than Milner, though the recently retired English international has taken his new role well and is proving to be yet another masterstroke from Klopp.

Midfielders

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 10:  Roberto Firmino of Liverpool celebrates scoring his sides first goal  during the Premier League match between Liverpool and Leicester City at Anfield on September 10, 2016 in Liverpool, England.  (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
Firmino enjoyed a great game last weekend

Defensive-midfield: N'Golo Kante

Chelsea's summer signing Kante has settled well and is performing just like he did for Leicester last season. Kante has been immense for the Blues in his first four games as he is slowly becoming one of their most important players. He brings a solid presence to the middle of the park which Liverpool lacks at the moment.

Centre-midfield: Jordan Henderson

Despite constant criticism from all sides, the Liverpool captain has gone on to perform consistently for his side this season. He is playing well in his withdrawn role as he has the most passes and most interceptions for this campaign.

Left-wing: Eden Hazard

The Belgian is getting back to his usual best as he is starting to exert more influence in every game – something he failed to do in the last season. In Chelsea's last home game against Burnley, Hazard was close to being unstoppable and he keeps Philippe Coutinho out of this combined eleven.

Attacking-midfield: Roberto Firmino

Firmino had an impressive outing against the champions as he scored two goals and was a constant threat to Leicester's defence. He is becoming Liverpool's talisman as his high pressing and immense work rate has made him one of Klopp's go to guy.

Right-wing: Sadio Mane

Many doubted Liverpool's decision to spend big on the Senegalese but he has gone to prove everyone wrong as he is performing splendidly for the Reds in each game he has played. From the first four games' performance, Mane will also get into a combined lineup from all Premier League clubs.

Striker and Formation

SWANSEA, WALES - SEPTEMBER 11:  Chelsea forward Diego Costa (c) ncelebrates his second goal during the Premier League match between Swansea City and Chelsea at Liberty Stadium on September 11, 2016 in Swansea, Wales.  (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)
Costa has been lethal this season

Striker : Diego Costa

Costa has four goals and one assist this season which is highest for any player at the moment. Jurgen Klopp expressed his admiration for the forward as he has made a brilliant start to the new season after Conte went against sanctioning his move to Atletico Madrid in the summer.

Also Read: EPL 2016-17: Liverpool's Jurgen Klopp fears "World Class" Diego Costa

Daniel Sturridge is unlucky to miss out after coming back to form against Leicester but Costa has been one of the best players in the league so far.

Our combined Chelsea and Liverpool XI

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Edited by Staff Editor
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