Chelsea vs Liverpool: Who makes the combined XI ahead of the 2022 Carabao Cup final?

Chelsea and Liverpool are set to face off in the Carabao Cup final at 4:30pm on Sunday afternoon.

The two clubs have spent a majority of the season chasing a Premier League title - with the latter looking the most likely - however are now turning their attentions to the trip to Wembley Stadium.

Both teams are in fine form, with Chelsea unbeaten in seven, while the Reds haven’t lost since defeat to Leicester City in December.

The likes of Mohamed Salah, Thiago Alcantara, Thiago Silva and NGolo Kante have shone this season and will be hoping to replicate their performances on the big stage.

The result on the day is unpredictable, but who has the better players on paper?

Here is our combined XI...

Goalkeeper - Edouard Mendy

This is a very difficult one and either goalkeeper could be in the XI, however I believe Mendy is more important to Chelsea than Alisson is to Liverpool.

The 29-year-old played a huge part in the Blues’ Champions League triumph last season and has only conceded 14 goals in the Premier League this season.

Right back - Trent Alexander-Arnold

TAA v James has been one of the most talked about debates this season and for me Trent wins every time.

The Liverpudlian is the best right back in the world and there should be no question of his inclusion - especially since Reece James has been out injured since November.

Centre backs - Virgil Van Dijk, Thiago Silva

I would be surprised if either set of fans would argue against Virgil Van Dijk being in that backline.

The Dutchman has been unbelievable for Liverpool since his arrival from Southampton and has become one of the Premier League’s best ever defenders.

Thiago Silva’s form with Chelsea has come as a surprise to many given his age.

The 37-year-old joined on a free in August 2020 and has been very impressive, improving their defence and making them much harder to break down.

Antonio Rudiger and Joel Matip have both been brilliant this season, however Thiago Silva edges it for me.

Left back - Andy Robertson

Once again the left back spot is an easy one.

Ben Chilwell had been very good for Chelsea up till he got injured, however Andy Robertson is on another level and makes up the second half of Liverpool’s exceptional full-back duo.

Midfielders - Thiago, Fabinho, N’Golo Kante

Thiago and Fabinho have been at their best for Liverpool this season, with the former yet to suffer defeat when he has started for Jurgen Klopp’s side.

The pair have been instrumental in some of Liverpool’s best performances this season and have proven themselves as unbelievable signings for the Merseyside club.

Meanwhile, N’Golo Kante is undoubtedly one of the best midfielders in the world and his long list of honours shows exactly why he is in this team.

Wingers - Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane

Sadio Mane’s inclusion was a tough one because he definitely hasn’t been at his best this season.

However, I haven’t been too impressed with Chelsea’s attackers this season and their poor form is the reason Mane is there.

Mohamed Salah also needs no explanation.

Striker - Diogo Jota

Diogo Jota has been an unbelievable signing for Liverpool.

The former Wolves star was expected to be a back-up option for the Reds, however it wasn’t long before he became one of their best performing players and replaced Roberto Firmino up top.

The Portugal international has 12 goals in the league this season and Liverpool fans will be praying he is fit for tomorrow’s match.