As Chelsea and Liverpool lock horns this Sunday I have compared both teams starting XI`s to see who comes out on top. The teams are based on injury and current form with both adopting a 4-3-3 formation.
Cech Reina
Ivanovic Terry Alex Cole Kelly Agger Skrtel Enrique
Ramires Mikel Mereilles Adam Lucas Henderson
Anelka Torres Mata Kuyt Suarez Downing
Cech Vs Reina- Two contenders for the title of leagues best goalkeeper but at present the Spaniard is clearly ahead. Whereas Cech has recently looked vulnerable and error prone Reina has consistently put in high calibre performances. Reina is the leagues most accomplished stopper and is unlucky Casillas stands between him and the Spanish No 1 jersey. Winner-Reina
Ivanovic vs. Kelly- Kelly is an exciting and improving prospect with seemingly only injury capable of halting his progress. However Ivanovic has been a solid and proven performer for a number of years. He remains solid in defence and useful in attack and gets the nod over Kelly due to his experience. Winner-Ivanovic.
Terry vs. Skrtel- A clash between two man mountains here. Skertel is beginning to regain some of his old form when he threatened to become a world beater whilst Terry is past his peak However the Chelsea skipper is still vital to his teams morale as figurehead and leading voice and therefore gets the nod. Winner-Terry
Alex vs. Agger- David Luiz may start but he remains a liability so it is likely Alex will take his place. In any case both of them pale in comparison to Agger. Pace, anticipation, aerially ability, technically proficiency, ability to stride forward with the ball, the Dane has it all. Only a series of Injuries have curtailed his rise to become one of Europe’s top defenders. Winner-Agger
Cole vs. Enrique- Cole has been bested on two many occasions in recent times and his form nose-dived in recent months. Enrique has impressed in his debut season at Anfield and Del Bosque decision to ignore him completely is mystifying. However if given a choice most would still pick Cole the worlds premier left back for five years and who showed against Spain he can turn around his form.
Ramires vs. Henderson- Henderson has hinted at his potential but as yet in some way short of justifying his hefty transfer fee. By contrast Ramires has looked like a duck in water since he came to the Prem and has become one his teams best performers. His pace and drive have added a new dimension to the Pensioners and Henderson has some way to go to emulate that kind of form. Winner-Ramires
Mikel vs. Lucas- Mikel has been a key dilemma for Chelsea managers past and present. Although he provides a physical presence his passiveness, ponderous nature and lack of ambition have been to the detriment of his team. However Lucas is arguably the leagues most improved player, not only providing tigerish competitiveness but intelligence and reliability, he is an indispensable member of his side. Winner-Lucas
Wonder if you even seen Cech play, so after seeing that I stopped reading. The man made a triple save last after getting a knock and played with a broken nose while Reina looks to have his worst season in England this far…..
No Lampard or Sturridge? Think you’re a little out of touch with your team selection & your evaluation shows your red roots…can only see 2 Liverpool players getting in that Chelsea side but its a team game. Hopefully Sunday will show the difference in quality.