Manchester City vs Liverpool - Combined XI

The two-week long international break is finally over and we can rejoice as the English Premier League is back in action this weekend. And clearly the stand out match out of all is Liverpool’s trip to Etihad stadium to face Manchester City.The match will test both teams’ ambitions this season. While Manchester City, sitting pretty on top with Arsenal, will try to issue a strong statement for their title credentials, Liverpool will try to send a message about their Champions League ambitions to the other top 4 contenders.In recent years, this fixture has been an enthralling encounter between the two and promises to be even more entertaining as Jurgen Klopp tries to outwit Manuel Pellegrini, as he did with Jose Mourinho. Ahead of the Saturday’s match, we look out for the best combined XI with players from both teams.Note: Players are picked on form and availability only in a 4-2-3-1 formation

#1 Goalkeeper

Joe Hart just edges out Simon Mignolet for the goalkeeper’s spot. Even though he has a solid defence ahead of him, he had done himself justice whenever he was called upon. He has made 15 saves in the league this season at 1.4 saves per game.

If we ignore his unexpected howler against Norwich City, he has been quite decent in goal for City. Mignolet has done quite well after Klopp’s managerial takeover, but there still remains a sense of uncertainty about his goalkeeping.

#2 Defence

Nathaniel Clyne (L) and Martin Skrtel (R)

In the right back position, Nathaniel Clyne gets the nod over Bacary Sagna. Although the Frenchman has done quite well in the absence of Pablo Zabaleta, Clyne has been a consistent performer for Liverpool. His pace and crossing possess a threat to opponents and he has easily been the best signing for Liverpool this season.

Vincent Kompany had his woes last season and was partially responsible for City’s weak title defence. But he has started this season very strongly, which can be seen from City’s position in the league table. We can safely say that City’s performance is dependent on Kompany’s form and that speaks volume about his quality. City have conceded goals in his absence and looked solid at the back when he has played.

Mamadou Sakho has been exceptional under Klopp and certainly would have featured in this XI if he was not injured. But that does not take away anything from Martin Skrtel, who has been unexpectedly very solid in the recent matches, except the one against Crystal Palace, and has averaged one tackle and two interceptions per game.

Alberto Moreno has been a revelation under Klopp, joining the attack with his blistering pace. But it is Aleksandar Kolarov who gets the nod as the left back ahead of Moreno. He has formed a formidable partnership with Raheem Sterling and has a strong left foot which he uses to whip crosses into the box. Even though both players are not great defenders, it is Kolarov’s better attacking play that brings him into the XI.

Vicent Kompany (L) and Aleksandar Kolarov (R)

#3 Midfield

If I told you that Lucas Leiva would make this list in August, I bet everybody would have mocked me. But come November and he does makes the cut in the XI. Lucas has been a great servant for Liverpool and it was baffling that he had rarely started under Brendan Rodgers.

But under Klopp, it seems he has found the legs and energy to play in Klopp’s hard counter pressing style. He has been a top tackler for Liverpool and helps break the play and counter.

Fernandinho is a player who would not make a lot of noise when on the field. He would quietly go about with his job of shielding the defence from oncoming attacks. It is only when he joins the attack and pull out a long ranger do people start noticing him. A defensive midfielder with good defensive work rates and an eye for a goal from long range makes him quite a dynamic midfield player.

For the attacking midfielder spot, with doubts on David Silva’s availability, Philippe Coutinho has been chosen. He has not been that great this season if we compare his performances with those in the 2013/14 season. But he does has the ability to turn the match’s complexion on his head – as he did at Stamford Bridge. He can play the majority of the match poorly and then pull out a moment of brilliance. He has been in good nick in recent games and expect him to pose a problem for City.

#4 Attack

With no clear winger in the Liverpool ranks, it is expected that the wingers will be from City’s team to feature in this XI. Raheem Sterling, the former Liverpool player, features as the left winger in this XI.

He has not taken the world by storm in a City shirt yet, but he did grab his first career hat-trick in City’s 5-1 win over Bournemouth. He has been a consistent performer, regularly attacking the left flank with the help of Kolarov and has shown quite a few glimpses that make us believe he can become a world-class player in the future.

Kevin De Bruyne on the right wing is a no brainer. Probably one of the signings of the season, De Bruyne did not need any time to settle into the team, continuing his red-hot form from Wolfsburg. He has been racking up assists and goals for fun, scoring 6 goals in 14 matches in all competitions. The onus is on him to bail City out from an injury crisis in the ranks.

With Sergio Aguero injured and Wilfred Bony not stepping up, it is Christian Benteke up front as the striker. He has already shown how he can influence the game in Liverpool’s favour by using his height and immense strength to hold off the ball or knock down the ball into the path of an onrushing Coutinho or Roberto Firmino.

Now that he has completely recovered from his injury and played a few matches, we can expect goals from Benteke and end Liverpool’s goal scoring woes.