Arsenal and Liverpool combined XI: Can Giroud break up Suarez and Sturridge?

Centre-Back – Per Mertesacker

The tall German has been a rock at the heart of Arsenal’s defence this season, scoring one goal at the other end, too. He has won a total of 30 duels, three more than Mamadou Sakho and 12 more than Daniel Agger. His passing accuracy of 92% is better than Liverpool’s two defenders, too, who have 90% and 84% respectively. It is for these reasons why the German central defender made it in this combined XI ahead of the Frenchman and the Dane.

Left-Back – Kieran Gibbs

When comparing the young Englishman against Sakho and Jose Enrique, Gibbs came out on top in passing and duels. Gibbs’ total duels won of 34 is far superior to that of Liverpool’s regular left-back, Enrique, who has won just 16 duels. He has completed more passes than Enrique, too. 89 more to be precise. However, Enrique has completed 6 key passes and two assists, considerably more than Gibbs’ two key passes and zero assists. It is Gibbs’ all-round ability that places him ahead of Enrique, though. As a defender, he is much better.