Premier League 2019-20: Combined XI from Liverpool and Manchester City

Liverpool will host Manchester City at Anfield on Sunday. Last year saw the Citizens lift the Premier League title, as their rivals missed out on the top prize despite amassing 97 points - which is the third-highest points tally in Premier League history.

At this stage, Pep Guardiola's side are trying to fight back and dislodge Liverpool from the top. But Jurgen Klopp's men have an excellent opportunity to extend the early lead to nine points and gain a huge advantage in the title race.

A total of 195 points were gained between Manchester City and Liverpool during the 2018-19 season. That shows the caliber of players possessed by the reigning Premier League champions and reigning Champions League champions respectively.

As we prepare for this titanic fixture, here's a look at the combined best XI from the Reds and Citizens.

Note: Only those players who are fit and available for the upcoming game have been considered.

Goalkeeper: Alisson Becker

Liverpool are yet to keep a clean sheet with Alisson Becker as the custodian this season. The Brazilian suffered a calf injury on the opening day of the Premier League and marked his comeback against Manchester United after the last international break.

The Reds have committed some uncharacteristic mistakes in the defensive areas this campaign, but Alisson has bailed them out several times. In the game against Aston Villa, the Brazilian was alert and cleared the danger on numerous occasions.

Alisson's positioning makes him one of the best in the world, and is probably the reason behind Ederson getting benched in Brazil. Ederson has been brilliant himself, but Alisson just nicks his spot as he's slowly getting back into rhythm.

Right-back: Trent Alexander-Arnold

Trent Alexander-Arnold has been the best right-back in the Premier League by a country mile this season. The defender produced an extraordinary performance against Genk in the Champions League to reinforce that idea.

Kyle Walker and Joao Cancelo have not played enough, and certainly not better than the Liverpool academy graduate.

Centre-back: Fernandinho

Ideally, Joel Matip should have been included here, but the Cameroonian is currently on the sidelines due to a knee issue. Meanwhile, Dejan Lovren and Joe Gomez have been quite shaky.

As for Manchester City, John Stones and Nicolas Otamendi have been lacklustre, while Aymeric Laporte is currently on the sidelines.

Fernandinho has been the Citizens' best centre-back over the past month and he gets the nod.

Centre-back: Virgil van Dijk

Liverpool have struggled to keep clean sheets this season, but Virgil van Dijk is still head and shoulders above the others in this position. The Dutch International has not touched the same heights as last season, but his presence has helped out the Reds on numerous occasions.

Left-back: Andy Robertson

Yet another Liverpool defender sneaks into the combined XI. Andy Robertson's rise is not because of luck, but on account of his hard work. The Scottish International is defensively more reliable than Benjamin Mendy, and he can also produce extraordinary deliveries to feed the forwards.

Defensive midfielder: Fabinho

Since making his debut for Liverpool, Fabinho has rarely put a foot wrong. The Brazilian has taken his game to the next level by recycling passes and feeding the forwards relentlessly.

He's an important presence for the Reds in midfield and is integral to their style of play. Rodri has lived up to his reputation too, but Fabinho is a notch above him.

Right attacking midfielder: Kevin de Bruyne

Kevin de Bruyne has started this season in devastating fashion. The Belgian international has already accumulated two goals and nine assists from 10 Premier League games.

If De Bruyne finds his feet, the Liverpool defenders should brace themselves for a tough challenge; the Belgian is known for continuously picking out passes inside the penalty box.

Left attacking midfielder: Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain

Pep Guardiola has confirmed the absence of David Silva after he suffered a muscle injury against Southampton last weekend. Moreover, Bernardo Silva hasn't hit the same heights as last season after fringe game time.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain would be an apt selection here as the English international provides great pace from the midfield and helps pump up the action in the final third.

The former Arsenal midfielder has scored four goals this season. Even though he's unlikely to start, his presence while coming off the bench could prove to be a huge boost for Jurgen Klopp and Co.

Right-wing: Raheem Sterling

Raheem Sterling has scored important goals for Manchester City this season. The forward has been on a stupendous run of form, with seven goals and one assist from 11 games. Mohamed Salah's overall game has been a disappointment, which means Sterling occupies his place.

Left-wing: Sadio Mane

Sadio Mane has been one of the best forwards in Europe this season. The Senegalese international has scored 10 goals in all competitions, and looks to be the main man for Liverpool in the front line.

Mane has carried the Reds to victory at times, most recently against Aston Villa with an injury time goal. He would walk into any Premier League side at the moment.

Striker: Sergio Aguero

Sergio Aguero has barely started over the past month in the Premier League; the Argentinian has been forced to watch Gabriel Jesus take the field on numerous occasions. However, the Citizens' leading goalscorer is likely to start the game against Liverpool, where his experience would be invaluable.

Roberto Firmino is not an out-and-out striker, hence can't take this spot above Manchester City's number 10.

Edited by Musab Abid