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Chelsea and Liverpool combined XI: A surprisingly healthy mix

By Mike Malley

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - JULY 22: Olivier Giroud of Chelsea takes the ball back to centre after scoring his team's first goal during the Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Chelsea FC at Anfield on July 22, 2020 in Liverpool, England. Football Stadiums around Europe remain empty due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in all fixtures being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Phil Noble/Pool via Getty Images)
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - JULY 22: Olivier Giroud of Chelsea takes the ball back to centre after scoring his team's first goal during the Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Chelsea FC at Anfield on July 22, 2020 in Liverpool, England. Football Stadiums around Europe remain empty due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in all fixtures being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Phil Noble/Pool via Getty Images) /
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Chelsea’s German striker Timo Werner is pictured during the pre-season friendly football match between Brighton and Hove Albion and Chelsea at the American Express Community Stadium in Brighton, southern England on August 29, 2020. – The game is a ‘pilot’ event where a small number of fans will be present on a socially-distanced basis. The aim is to get fans back into stadiums in the Premier League by October. (Photo by Glyn KIRK / AFP) (Photo by GLYN KIRK/AFP via Getty Images)
Chelsea’s German striker Timo Werner is pictured during the pre-season friendly football match between Brighton and Hove Albion and Chelsea at the American Express Community Stadium in Brighton, southern England on August 29, 2020. – The game is a ‘pilot’ event where a small number of fans will be present on a socially-distanced basis. The aim is to get fans back into stadiums in the Premier League by October. (Photo by Glyn KIRK / AFP) (Photo by GLYN KIRK/AFP via Getty Images) /

Right Winger: Mohamed Salah, Liverpool

It would’ve been difficult to start the 2020/21 Premier League season better than Mohamed Salah did, with his 88′ hat-trick clinching penalty kick being the decisive goal against Leeds United. The former Chelsea man looks to be on a mission to remind the league of his greatness after receiving some criticism for his play last season.

If Salah can get back to his top form from a few seasons ago, there’s a real chance that Liverpool can repeat as league champions. The Reds’ defense is arguably better, with both Gomez and TAA developing well alongside van Dijk and Robertson. The midfield has some question marks, but signing Thiago Alcantara from Bayern will be a massive boost. Overall, the Liverpool squad is looking more dangerous than it ever has under Klopp’s reign.

Striker: Timo Werner, Chelsea

It will probably make Liverpool supporters sad to see Timo Werner’s name here, because it reminds them of what could have been. Before moving to Chelsea this summer, Werner was one of Klopp’s top transfer targets, but the Reds’ ownership was reportedly unwilling to meet RB Leipzig’s price valuation—in the form of a release clause—for the German international.

The new No. 11 seems to have adjusted well to life in England so far. He scored in his Chelsea debut in a friendly against Brighton on August 29 and drew the penalty that Jorginho converted against the Seagulls last weekend. The goals will need to keep coming though, if Werner is to hold on to his starting spot, as both Olivier Giroud and Tammy Abraham are waiting for an opportunity.

Left Winger: Sadio Mane, Liverpool

Sadio Mane was arguably Liverpool’s best attacking player last season, scoring 18 goals and adding seven assists en route to the league title. His partnership with Salah has become the most dangerous in the English top flight, and both players are looking to continue their incredible run of form into the 2020/21 season.

Whoever ends up playing right centerback for Chelsea will have to be on high alert for Mane, who loves to cut in on his right foot and let shots go from distance. He’s more than capable of scoring from deep, and will probably be shooting more than usual, seeing as Arrizabalaga has one of the worst save percentages in the EPL on shots from outside the box, a dismal 70 percent.

Next. Chelsea: Three things to look for as the Blues host the champions. dark

Who would make up your combined XI between Chelsea and Liverpool? Let us know in the comments or on Twitter!

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