Chelsea vs. Liverpool: Complete Player-by-Player Comparison
Matches between these two clubs are often hotly contested, but given their respective struggles, this weekend's game seems to have a little more riding on it than usual.
For Chelsea, they are desperate to arrest their dismal form that has seen them lose five of their first 10 league games.
They sit 15th in the league, well off the pace in the title race. It's been a horrible start to their defence of the title, and they need to start picking up points soon to ensure they are not cut further adrift.
Where Liverpool are concerned, new boss Jurgen Klopp is chasing his first win in the league since his appointment.
To date, draws are the best the Reds have achieved under the German, although they did secure a 1-0 win over Bournemouth in the Capital One Cup on Wednesday.
Join Bleacher Report as we run through the expected starting lineups ahead of this game and compare the players' attributes.
Asmir Begovic vs. Simon Mignolet
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Thibaut Courtois' absence for much of this campaign has been a massive blow for Chelsea. The Belgian was first suspended after his red card on the opening day of the season before picking up a knee injury.
That’s meant Asmir Begovic having an extended run in the side, and he hasn’t let Chelsea down.
With Courtois and Petr Cech last term, Chelsea had two exceptional goalkeepers at their disposal. Begovic isn’t in the same class as Cech, but he certainly gives the same depth.
Simon Mignolet may be Liverpool’s first-choice goalkeeper, but he lacks the presence of Begovic. His decision-making can be lax at times, and he isn’t as dominant of his area.
Begovic wins this battle (safe) hands down.
Defenders
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Kurt Zouma vs. Nathaniel Clyne
We’re talking about the right-back position here, which means Kurt Zouma is second-best when put up against Nathaniel Clyne.
It’s what you would expect. Zouma is a centre-back playing out of position, forced to cover while Branislav Ivanovic remains on the sidelines.
Zouma has shown us he’s an accomplished defender, but playing on the flank isn’t just about that side of the game.
Full-backs need to get forward to provide width and crosses, proving as much an asset in attack as they are at the back.
Clyne does that well. We saw him develop at Southampton these past few years and earn a big move to Liverpool.
He hasn’t quite hit the same heights yet, but there’s still no doubting his talents.
Gary Cahill vs. Martin Skrtel
As a physical presence, you would be inclined to opt for Martin Skrtel here. The Slovakian carries an intimidating look given his size.
That’s the only thing he has over Gary Cahill, though.
Chelsea’s Englishman is a sound defender, is rarely found out of position and offers good distribution from the back.
Skrtel may be able to rough up attackers, but he is clumsy and lacks the same sort of grace and style we see from Cahill.
John Terry vs. Mamadou Sakho
Even at 34 years old, there are few better defenders than John Terry in the Premier League. And Mamadou Sakho isn’t one of that select few.
Given the struggles Chelsea have suffered this term, Terry’s been exposed far too often, and it’s led to suggestions that time has caught up with him.
It’s not so. Terry offers plenty more than simply being a defender; he’s a leader and for too long has been the man who has kept this Chelsea side together.
Cesar Azpilicueta vs. Alberto Moreno
Another Chelsea full-back who’s playing out of position, Cesar Azpilicueta is highly rated for good reason.
The Spaniard gives Chelsea a solid defensive base—although, admittedly, Chelsea have been woeful at the back at times this term—and rarely puts a foot wrong.
He’s a 7/10 player, consistently performing to a high level regardless.
What he lacks on the left side is the ability to impact games in attack. Azpilicueta still offers an outlet, but he isn’t in the same category as someone like Alberto Moreno.
When on form, Moreno is exciting to watch. He isn’t as accomplished as Azpilicueta in a defensive sense, but in the opposition half, he has plenty to offer.
If we’re talking defenders, Azpilicueta wins the battle here; as an attacking left-back, there’s no contest with Moreno.
Defensive Midfielders
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Nemanja Matic vs. Lucas
Much like Chelsea’s season, it’s been one to forget for Nemanja Matic. There have been so many ups and downs.
From looking off the pace early on, he seemed to find some form and scored a wonderful goal against Everton. Then he dipped once more only to rediscover a semblance of his best with a man-of-the-match performance in the Champions League.
A few days later, Matic was sent off against West Ham United.
He’ll be back for this game after serving a one-match suspension, which is good news for Chelsea.
The reason we’re picking Matic over his opposite number Lucas is down to his influence at Chelsea.
When Matic is playing well, it’s rare Chelsea aren’t. He controls matches in a way Lucas can’t. He reads the game well, snuffing out the threat from attackers.
The big problem this season is that he hasn’t done that enough.
Ramires vs. Emre Can
Ramires signed a new four-year contract with Chelsea this week. After his form in October, its not difficult to see why the Blues have acted now to keep him at Stamford Bridge.
Ramires has endured a difficult past couple of seasons, but playing in the pivot more recently has seen him rediscover some of his best form.
His energy and work rate is his greatest asset. He can press and put players under pressure, which is ideal for his position.
If we're talking footballers, Emre Can is a better footballer than Ramires. He's more comfortable in possession, has superior vision and strings play together more effectively than his opposite number.
Attacking Midfielders
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Willian vs. James Milner
Whereas James Milner will graft for his team and provide a platform for others, he lacks the ability to make things happen in the final third the way Willian can.
Chelsea’s Brazilian has been among the club’s top performers this term, especially throughout October, when he was the one bright spark in an otherwise struggling attack.
Milner has played on the wide right under Jurgen Klopp, but it isn’t his strongest position. He lacks the creativity needed in that area, but defensively, he gives stability.
If we’re considering the attacking attributes of both players—which is paramount in their positions—then Willian wins out.
Cesc Fabregas vs. Adam Lallana
There are few Premier League players who can match Cesc Fabregas for his creativity in the No. 10 role.
Fabregas hasn’t enjoyed as much success as he did this time last term, yet he remains vital to what Chelsea produce in attack.
The difference has been how teams have set up against him to combat his threat, attempting to press him early when in possession.
Adam Lallana lacks the same grace as Fabregas. He’s a player who looks to finish off moves rather than feeding the frontman in the way Fabregas can.
When playing at his top level, Fabregas will always be regarded the superior talent.
Eden Hazard vs. Philippe Coutinho
Probably the two most exciting players at either club, Eden Hazard and Philippe Coutinho have suffered this term.
With a lack of creativity going forward, their impact has been restricted, and they haven’t performed anywhere near the level we know they can.
Hazard is English football’s reigning Player of the Year, though. He was a major part of Chelsea’s title-winning campaign, winning matches almost single-handedly at times last year.
Coutinho may be Liverpool’s talisman, but he hasn’t carried his team in the same way Hazard has Chelsea. When Liverpool have needed some inspiration, Coutinho hasn’t always been on hand to provide it.
When we think about last season, Hazard was.
Strikers
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Diego Costa vs. Christian Benteke
Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho wasn’t giving much away on Friday as he briefed the media on Diego Costa’s rib injury.
The Chelsea striker picked it up against Stoke City in the Capital One Cup midweek. Mourinho said Costa would undergo a late fitness test, but he was undecided whether or not the striker would feature against Liverpool.
Given how Chelsea’s other frontmen have struggled this term, Mourinho will do all he can to ensure Costa starts.
He’s Chelsea’s most potent threat even though the goals haven’t been flowing as consistently as they were last term.
Christian Benteke hasn’t made as much of impact at Anfield as he would have liked since joining from Aston Villa this summer.
Like Costa, though, he has proved he can be a real handful for defenders. He bullies the opposition at times, using his physicality well.
When it comes to being a poacher, he still lacks the panache of Costa, however. He isn’t as clinical in front of goal, which is something he must improve on.
