Premier League leaders Liverpool will be looking to bounce back from their Carabao Cup exit to the hands of Chelsea in midweek as they travel to Stamford Bridge on Saturday evening (17:30).

The Reds, who are the only team in the English top-flight to boast a 100 per cent record so far this season, were knocked out by Maurizio Sarri’s side in the third round of the Carabao Cup on Wednesday night (1-2) at Anfield.

The Blues, who currently sit just two points behind Liverpool in the league table having gone unbeaten so far this campaign (Won 5, Drawn 1), will want an improvement on their last Premier League outing after being pinned back to a goalless draw at West Ham United last weekend.

An equaliser from Emerson Palmieri (above) and a sublime individual winner from Eden Hazard late on saw Chelsea get the better of Liverpool in their League Cup clash in midweek, despite Daniel Sturridge acrobatically giving Jurgen Klopp’s hosts the lead shortly before the hour-mark.

Just three days later, they face each other again, this time at Stamford Bridge, for league bragging rights.

Ahead of this crucial clash tonight, SHOOT has put together our very own Chelsea–Liverpool combined XI…

Do you agree with our selection? Or, which player(s) do you think we have missed out?

Comment below with your tactical suggestions!

*The combined XI follows a traditional 4-3-3 formation and includes ALL players from either squad, regardless of whether they are injured or suspended in reality*

Goalkeeper: Alisson (Liverpool)

Liverpool’s £66.8m arrival Alisson Becker edges out Chelsea’s world-record £71.6m signing Kepa Arrizabalaga to feature between the sticks for SHOOT.

Having kept one more clean sheet than Arrizabalaga (3) in the league this term, Alisson boasts the better statistics so far this season, and has the most top-level experience in the game.

Right-back: César Azpilicueta (Chelsea)

Another close call, with England and Liverpool full-back Trent Alexander-Arnold unlucky to be omitted from the starting XI, as Chelsea’s César Azpilicueta is handed the right-back role.

The 29-year-old is yet to fully understand and adapt to new manager Maurizio Sarri’s playing style at Stamford Bridge, but the Spaniard is still one of the Premier League’s most consistent and standout defenders.

Azpilicueta has played every minute of The Blues’ league campaign so far this season, captaining their opening five fixtures, and assisted Alvaro Morata’s strike against Arsenal.

Centre-back: Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool)

Regarded as one of, if not the best, centre-back in world football right now.

Reds star Van Dijk has been a revelation at Anfield since his whopping £75m arrival from Southampton back in January.

The 27-year-old – the world’s most expensive defender of all-time – justifies his extortionate price tag and has helped Jurgen Klopp’s side concede just two goals in their opening six league outings, the least of any other team.

Centre-back: Joe Gomez (Liverpool)

Van Dijk’s influence and presence has clearly rubbed off on young Joe Gomez, who shoulder barges Antonio Rudiger out of SHOOT‘s starting XI.

The defensive duo have formed a formidable partnership this term to help establish The Reds as serious Premier League title contenders to challenge Manchester City’s crown.

The England international, 21, looks to be growing in confidence with every game alongside Dutchman Van Dijk, and the former Charlton Athletic man should be included in Gareth Southgate’s Three Lions squad, which will be announced next week.

Left-back: Andrew Robertson (Liverpool)

Marcos Alonso is a wonderful player, who was included in the Premier League PFA Team of the Year 2017-2018, but defensively, Andrew Robertson is an upgrade on the Chelsea full-back.

Scotland star Robertson, 24, has proved an absolute steal for Liverpool following his initial £8m move from Hull City last summer, and has provided three assists in all competitions for the club so far this season.

Having gone from strength to strength since his transfer to Merseyside, Robertson is undoubtedly one of the best defenders in the Premier League, and a standout full-back in Europe, based on current form.

Midfielder: James Milner (Liverpool)

Into midfield, and our engine is the masterful James Milner.

The former England star edges out Liverpool team mate Naby Keita to this starting role, having impressed with his box-to-box prowess this campaign for the Premier League leaders.

The 32-year-old, whose absence from the England is still missed given his work rate, energy, passion and commitment, has captained The Reds on four league occasions this season, and he scored against Crystal Palace last month.

Midfielder: N’Golo Kante (Chelsea)

Despite being moved out to the right under Maurizio Sarri at Stamford Bridge this season, there was no way the brilliant N’Golo Kante wasn’t getting into our three-man midfield.

The 27-year-old, who won the 2018 FIFA World Cup with France earlier this summer in Russia, scored on the opening day of the campaign at Huddersfield Town, and has played every minute of Chelsea’s league run so far.

Although he looks a little less comfortable being pushed further forward for The Blues this year, Kante’s exceptional ball-winning ability still makes him a certainty to start in SHOOT‘s midfield.

Midfielder: Jorginho (Chelsea)

Following his £57m summer switch from Napoli, defensive midfielder Jorginho has seamlessly adapted to the English top-flight, and even racked up a record number of passes in a single league game, completing a remarkable 180 passes at the London Stadium last Sunday as Chelsea were held to a goalless encounter against West Ham United.

The 26-year-old Italy international has flourished under boss Maurizio Sarri at Stamford Bridge, perhaps unsurprisingly given their time together in Serie A with Napoli, with the Azzurri ace also bagging his first goal of the season at Huddersfield on the opening day of the campaign.

Right forward: Mohamed Salah (Liverpool)

Is Mohamed Salah really out of form? Well, with three goals and two assists from Liverpool’s opening six league games, the Egyptian forward still gets into our starting XI by a country mile.

After his incredible 32-goal season last year, the 26-year-old has endured a low-key start to the 2018-19 campaign, despite his handful of strikes, with team mates Roberto Firmino and fellow winger Sadio Mane perhaps taking centre stage away from the former Chelsea man.

But, overall, Salah has netted an almighty 47 goals in 60 appearances in all competitions for Jurgen Klopp’s side following his transfer from AS Roma last summer.

Statistic don’t lie. And on these figures, there is no way Salah would be excluded from SHOOT‘s combined XI.

Centre forward: Roberto Firmino (Liverpool)

Spearheading our attack is that man, Roberto Firmino.

Despite having found the back of the net just twice in the Premier League so far this term, the 26-year-old Brazilian looks integral in every Liverpool attack this season, with his masterful link-up play with Salah and Sadio Mane.

Firmino is the player who brings out the best in The Reds’ front three with his selflessness, work rate and non-stop energy in the final third.

Left forward: Eden Hazard (Chelsea)

And finally, Mr Eden Hazard, who has this week been labelled as one of the best players in the world right now.

The 27-year-old has been in explosive form this season for The Blues, scoring five goals in his last four league games, including a hat-trick against Cardiff City, as well as that brilliant individual winner against Liverpool in the Carabao Cup in midweek.

Hazard is the first name in our combined XI, and Chelsea fans will be hoping he can continue his prolific run in front of goal at Stamford Bridge tonight.