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All eyes will be at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday when Manchester City host Liverpool in a mouth-watering 2020-21 Premier League clash.
The former champions have made a stuttering start to the new season, winning just thrice from their opening six games, whereas the holders are once again setting the pace in the new season despite a setback at Aston Villa.
Manchester City and Liverpool have produced some highly engaging encounters in the run-up to league titles recently, so much so that it has come to be seen as one of the best fixtures in all of Europe.
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So, ahead of the much-anticipated kick-off, let's have a look at how Manchester City and Liverpool could line up in a hypothetical all-star combined XI:
Goalkeeper: Alisson Becker (Liverpool)
Simply put, Alisson Becker is the best goalkeeper in the Premier League and has been a transformative signing for Liverpool.
His acquisition from Roma has made Liverpool's goalkeeping woes a thing of the past, and his shot-stopping nous has been key in the club's Champions League and Premier League success as well.
Alisson isn't immune to the odd blunder, but his impact on the team overall has been staggering.
Right-back: Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool)
Trent Alexander-Arnold's accomplishments at the age of 22 are staggering, while his creative brilliance has revolutionised the full-back position. He has been setting new assist records in the last two years and has played a key role in Liverpool's recent success.
Centre-back: Ruben Dias (Manchester City)
With Virgil van Dijk out injured and Joe Gomez not proving up to scratch, we've chosen to go with a Manchester City centre-back pairing starting.
We start with the £60 million summer signing from Benfica, Ruben Dias, who's looked right at home at the heart of the Sky Blues' defence. Strong on the ball and positionally aware, Dias has elevated the Manchester City defence.
Centre-back: Aymeric Laporte (Manchester City)
Partnering the Portuguese international in this hypothetical lineup, as well as in Manchester City's playing-XI, is Aymeric Laporte, who was roped in for approximately the same price as Dias from Athletic Bilbao in 2018.
Laporte has consistently impressed in Manchester City colours. His powerful and athletic frame is complemented by his fine technique and elite passing range.
Left-back: Andrew Robertson (Liverpool)
The creative, marauding, dynamic and skilful Andrew Robertson has struck up one of the finest full-back partnerships in world football with his Liverpool colleague Trent Alexander-Arnold.
Last season, he made 12 assists in the top flight - the most in a Premier League season by a defender behind that of his 'full-back friend'. Needless to say, Andrew Robertson has played an integral role in Liverpool's recent success.
Right midfielder: Kevin De Bruyne (Manchester City)
The PFA Player of the Year for the 2019-20 season, Kevin De Bruyne was back to his rip-roaring best even as Manchester City struggled for consistency.
He equalled Thierry Henry's record for most assists in a season with 20 last season, while also netting another 13 goals himself. His craft and elegance on the ball was unparalleled, and Manchester City will look up to him once again for creative inspiration to defeat the Reds.
Central midfielder: Jordan Henderson (Liverpool)
Liverpool have become one of the most complete and cohesive sides in Europe, but the glue that keeps them all together is Jordan Henderson, the skipper who provides balance to the side and also acts as a protective screen to the back four.
Athletic, hard-working and terrific in both boxes, Henderson is the cog that keeps the Liverpool juggernaut rolling.
Left midfielder: Phil Foden (Manchester City)
To make a case for himself in a team packed to the rafters with established stars speaks volumes about his talents, but that's exactly what Phil Foden did last season.
The 20-year old fireball stood out for his swashbuckling performances, scoring eight times and making seven assists in all competitions, including a peach of a strike against Liverpool in Manchester City's 4-0 win over the champions.
Right winger: Mohamed Salah (Liverpool)
Liverpool's Egyptian King, Mohamed Salah, has already established himself as a Premier League legend, his remarkable scoring feats breaking numerous records.
After narrowly missing out on his third Golden Boot award last time, he has launched another bid this season with seven goals already, including an opening day hat-trick against newly-promoted Leeds United.
Striker: Diogo Jota (Liverpool)
What a signing Diogo Jota's has turned out to be! Jota has had a fabulous record-breaking start to life at Liverpool since arriving from Wolves at the start of the season.
He has already netted seven times from ten games for the Reds this season, including a hat-trick against Atalanta in the Champions League on Wednesday. Jota will gun for more glory against Manchester City's ramshackle defence.
Left winger: Sadio Mane (Liverpool)
A model of consistency for the Reds, Sadio Mane continues to soar new heights. All five of his Premier League goals this season have come against top sides such as Chelsea, Arsenal and Everton, which demonstrates his big-game pedigree.
The peerless Senegalese, who has a fine record against Manchester City too, will be hoping to continue the same by bagging another goal or two on Sunday.
