Liverpool travel to Manchester City tomorrow for a top of the table clash that many believe could determine the destination of this season's title.
Ahead of the showdown, a hat-trick of ECHO writers have selected their combined elevens from Jurgen Klopp and Pep Guardiola's sides. The consensus is that the Reds dominate - with three City men in two of the teams, and even less in the first XI.
Take a look below and see if you agree...
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Diaz already makes the cut
Theo Squires: For so long Man City have had the strongest team and squad in the Premier League, but while they might not be top going into Sunday’s title clash, Liverpool have certainly usurped Pep Guardiola’s side on that score and now boast the superior depth. And it sees them dominate when it comes to naming combined XIs!
It’s a Reds clean sweep for the back five. Brazil have the option of Alisson and Ederson yet start Jurgen Klopp’s number one so that’s good enough for me. Trent Alexander-Arnold, Virgil van Dijk and Andy Robertson are the best right-back, centre-back and left-backs in the world so they all go in, though it is harsh to leave out Joao Cancelo. Meanwhile, Ruben Dias’ current injury lay-off sees Joel Matip edge out Aymeric Laporte.
I think we’re all in agreement that Kevin De Bruyne starts, while Fabinho’s place as the holding midfielder is equally secure. And I’m going to go for Thiago Alcantara as the final midfielder, his CV speaks for itself.
As he’s not in midfield, Phil Foden can start on the right, freeing Mohamed Salah to play upfront. He might be out of form but best player in the world and all that. Raheem Sterling is City’s best attacker in my opinion, but seeing as he’s not a guaranteed starter under Guardiola, no start for him here either. Instead it’s Luis Diaz who gets the nod ahead of Sadio Mane following an explosive start to life at Anfield.
Combined XI (4-3-3): Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Matip, Van Dijk, Robertson; De Bruyne, Fabinho, Thiago; Foden, Salah, Diaz.
City man in each line of the outfield
Tom Cavilla: In the battle of the Brazilians between the sticks, I would go for Alisson. There is not much to separate the world-class duo, but the Reds’ shot-stopper has taken his game to another level this season and gets the nod in goal.
At right-back, there is no debating that Trent Alexander-Arnold is picked. Far superior to Kyle Walker, the Liverpool defender is arguably the best in his position in the world and simply cannot miss out. A case could be made for Joao Cancelo at left-back, where he is often deployed in Pep Guardiola’s side, but Andy Robertson just edges this one due to his equally impressive defensive and offensive ability.
This team wouldn’t be complete without Virgil van Dijk in central defence, though the question is who partners the Dutchman? Joel Matip has been in outstanding form this season and could certainly be included, but Ruben Dias is hard to overlook.
Moving on to the midfield, and this is a department that becomes more straightforward to select. Fabinho and Thiago Alcantara have been in irresistible form whenever featuring together in the centre of the pitch and will be accompanied by the excellent Kevin de Bruyne to complete a three-man selection.
In attack, Mohamed Salah assumes responsibility on the right wing despite his recent poor form in a Liverpool shirt. Playing down the middle I have gone for Diogo Jota, whose 20 goals in all competitions highlights what an outstanding player he has been for Klopp’s side this term. The final space, on the left wing, is occupied by Bernardo Silva. The Portuguese international has looked back to his best for the Sky Blues and just sneaks in ahead of Luis Diaz and Sadio Mane.
Combined XI (4-3-3): Alisson, Alexander-Arnold, Dias, Van Dijk, Robertson; De Bruyne, Fabinho, Thiago; Salah, Jota, Bernardo Silva.
Defensive clean sweep but forward misses out
Jake Bayliss: When combining these two teams, it’s fair to say almost every position could be up for grabs. Having said that, I haven’t found a place for any Manchester City player at the back.
Alisson has a slight edge over Ederson in goal, for me. In Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andy Robertson, Liverpool may just have the two best full-backs in world football and I don't believe there is a better centre-back partner for Virgil van Dijk than Joel Matip.
Fabinho continues the clean sweep for Liverpool as he keeps his place over Rodri at the base of midfield. However, I think every Red would admit they’d love to see Kevin De Brunye line up for Jurgen Klopp’s side. Bernardo Silva completes the midfield trio.
Having been spoilt for choice with attacking options, there was always going to be one controversial call. Mohamed Salah has undoubtedly earned his place, despite Riyad Mahrez’s form. I’d also pick Sadio Mane over the in-form Luis Diaz.
However, one Liverpool player who can count himself unlucky is Diogo Jota. Though the Portuguese is clinical in front of goal, the prospect of forming a fluid front line with Phil Foden sees the City man get the final nod.
Combined XI (4-3-3): Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Matip, Van Dijk, Robertson; Fabinho, De Brunye, Bernardo Silva; Salah, Mane, Foden.
