While Liverpool would be forgiven for having one eye their Premier League trophy celebration on Wednesday night, Chelsea must ensure they are 100 per cent focused on the task at hand at Anfield. Liverpool may have wrapped up the Premier League title in record time, but everything is still at play for Chelsea, who are locked in a three-way tug-of-war for a top-four place.
Ahead of Wednesday's meeting, we delve into a combined XI involving the two sides, excluding injured and suspended players. Moreover, only players to have started at least 15 league games this season are eligible for consideration, with some surprise names making the cut.
With the best defensive record in the Premier League (29 goals conceded), coupled with Chelsea's woes at the back this season, it's no surprise Liverpool dominate in defence, with four of five picks, including the goalkeeper. Chelsea's Kurt Zouma is the only representative for Frank Lampard's side back there, edging out Liverpool's Joe Gomez (6.78).
In midfield is where things getting interesting, however. Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson would have made the XI had he not been injured but his absence opens up a space for rising Chelsea midfielder Mason Mount. It's been an up-and-down campaign for the 21-year-old but he can at least finish it on a high after scoring in Sunday's FA Cup semi-final win over Manchester United.
The England international is one of three Chelsea midifelders in the combined XI, alongside Mateo Kovacic and Willian, who have arguably been Lampard's outstanding players all season. It's business as usual after that, with Sadio Mane, Mohamed Salah and Roberto Firmino rounding off the combined XI in attack.
Really, Zouma over Gomez?
@kopwill Yes.