Red vs Blue. North vs South. It’s a footballing staple as old as time. But as Chelsea face off against Liverpool at Anfield at lunchtime on Saturday, both teams have flattered to deceive this season.
Arne Slot’s side, sitting fourth, will look to consolidate their Champions League credentials, whereas Chelsea – under interim boss Calum McFarlane – will hope they can revive their dwindling hopes of Europe. The Blues find themselves ninth after a 3-1 defeat at home by Nottingham Forest condemned them to their sixth consecutive league loss.
So what better way to commemorate the battle of the underachievers than a combined XI? Stats gurus over at SofaScore give the lowdown on two teams steeped in mediocrity – with Chelsea winning the player count by seven players to four in a 3-2-4-1 formation…
Goalkeeper: Freddie Woodman
Sofascore rating 6.93/10
With Robert Sanchez ruled out by Calum McFarlane earlier this week, adding to the injuries to Liverpool’s Alisson and Giorgi Mamardashvilli, the goalkeeper position becomes a straight shoot-out between back-ups Woodman and Filip Jorgensen.
However, it is the Englishman who eases out the Dane. In only three league appearances this season, he is yet to keep a clean sheet, but several vital saves in his side’s 3-1 victory over Crystal Palace earn him a spot in this team.
Centre back: Virgil van Dijk
Sofascore rating 7.23/10
Despite turning 35 this year, Van Dijk continues to show the world that he remains one of the best centre backs in the division. The Dutchman has been dribbled past just once this season – a shade off his 2018-19 campaign where no one was able to dribble past him.
An ever-present in the league this season, not only has he been a rock at the back but has also popped up with important goals – the latest being a late winner against Merseyside rivals Everton earlier this month.
Centre back: Trevor Chalobah
Sofascore rating 6.94/10
Chalobah remains with an outside shout of going to the World Cup. In an overall chaotic defensive unit, Chalobah stands out among the wreckage despite countless centre back partners.
The 26-year-old makes 65.7 accurate passes per 90 minutes, ranking him top among starting centre-backs while his 5.4 clearances per match is the most of any Chelsea player this season. If others could perhaps join in, the Blues might not be in the position they find themselves in.
Centre back: Ibrahima Konate
Sofascore rating: 7.10/10
Despite struggling at the start of the season, since confirming that he is close to signing a new contract until 2029, Konate has shaken off the early jitters. Slowly but surely he is rediscovering the form which saw Real Madrid sniffing around for his signature.
A standout performance against Crystal Palace demonstrated the Frenchman at his best as he won five out of his six aerial duels, made nine clearances as well as a crucial block to deny Palace a goal before half-time with Woodman sprawling after making a save.
Right wing: Reece James
Sofascore rating: 7.20/10
Conspicuous by his absence recently, James’ appearance on the bench against Nottingham Forest provides hope for Chelsea fans that he could feature on Saturday. Fitness issues have plagued James again this season, but nevertheless his reputation as one of the best right backs in the league still precedes him.
When he has featured, James has been at the centre of his side’s creativity, generating eight big chances in just 20 starts, the third most of any Chelsea player. So Blues’ fans will be praying to see him make an appearance at Anfield.
Central midfield: Moises Caicedo
Sofascore rating: 7.15/10
Another who has been shy of their lofty standards in recent weeks, but Caicedo’s early-season performances are enough for him to qualify for this team.
The Ecuadorian ranks top in the league for most interceptions per game with 1.9, while he also averages 2.8 tackles per 90 as well. His discipline remains his weakness, however. With 10 yellow cards and one red card, he holds one of the worst disciplinary records in the league.
Central midfield: Ryan Gravenberch
Sofascore rating: 7.05/10
Perhaps a victim of his own success, Gravenberch has struggled to replicate the heights of last season but similar drop-offs to team-mates Alexis MacAllister and Curtis Jones mean his spot in the combined XI remains.
Gravenberch ranks top for both interceptions (1.4) and tackles (1.6) per match for Liverpool – a testament to his defensive work-rate since being converted into a deeper lying midfielder by Arne Slot.
Left wing: Cody Gakpo
Sofascore rating: 6.95/10
It wouldn’t be right to have a team including Liverpool players without Gakpo. The winger is clearly a favourite of Slot and so, with Marc Cucurella’s form plummeting, he is shoehorned into a left wing-back role in our formation.
In the regular absence of a recognised striker, Gakpo has been forced out of position a lot this season but nevertheless his returns have been decent with 12 goal contributions in the league. He will be hoping to build from his slightly fortuitous goal against Manchester United.
Cody Gakpo has chipped in with seven goals and five assists in the Premier League this season
Attacking midfield: Dominik Szoboszlai
Sofascore rating: 7.21/10
Liverpool’s renaissance man. Whether he’s right back, right wing, central midfield, on the bench or in the club shop, Szoboszlai always delivers. The Hungarian has been a shining light for Liverpool fans in a season where there hasn’t been much to smile about.
While his overall game has made him a stand-out, his ability over a dead ball makes him a constant threat around the penalty area. With four, he remains one free-kick goal behind the record for the most in a single season currently held by David Beckham and Laurent Robert.
Attacking midfield: Enzo Fernandez
Sofascore rating: 7.12/10
Fernandez still has further to go if he is to win back the trust of the Chelsea fans if he is to undo the damage done by flirting with Real Madrid in the international break but his performances since his two-match suspension have been bright.
He scored the only goal of the game in a player of the match performance against Leeds in the FA Cup semi-final before being a small glimmer of hope in a drab overall performance at home to Nottingham Forest.
Across the season, the Argentinian has 19 goal contributions in all competitions – a statistic that shows he is clearly benefitting from a more advanced role within the midfield.
Forward: Joao Pedro
Sofascore rating: 7.12/10
His competition was perhaps eased in this XI following Hugo Ekitike’s ruptured achilles, but Joao Pedro has been a rare spot of attacking quality for Chelsea this season. It’s no coincidence that the Blues’ drought in front of goal coincided with Pedro’s absence through injury.
His overhead kick against Nottingham Forest, although in vain, was an illustration of the Brazilian’s talent. With 20 goals in all competitions this season, he will be hoping to finish the season strong as he pushes for a starting spot at the World Cup.
