Manchester City are flying high in the Premier League with rivals Liverpool stuttering under Jurgen Klopp.
The Citizens sit second in the table behind early leaders Arsenal, while the Reds are all the way down in 10th.
We have picked a combined XI from the two squads as the star-studded outfits prepare for their clash at Anfield on Sunday.
Goalkeeper: Alisson (Liverpool)
Alisson wins the battle of the Brazilians in goal after putting in some impressive performances for Liverpool this season.
Although Ederson has kept five top-flight clean sheets to Alisson’s two, the latter has made more saves and played a bigger role for his side, earning him a place in our XI.
Right-back: Kyle Walker (Manchester City)
Prior to picking up an injury that has put his World Cup hopes in doubt, Kyle Walker had been in top form for Pep Guardiola this season.
And with Trent Alexander-Arnold in the firing line for his poor performances recently, it is a no-brainer to include the 32-year-old, who ranks in the top 10 for passes completed in the 2022-23 campaign.
Centre-back: Ruben Dias (Manchester City)
Ruben Dias has been an important player in a side that have conceded only nine Premier League goals in as many games
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The Portuguese international is yet to lose a challenge and has won 23 of his 33 aerial duels so far — giving him the upper hand over Joel Matip, who has struggled at times.
Centre-back: Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool)
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Despite the criticism of Virgil van Dijk, the Premier League and Champions League winner has still been a key figure in Liverpool’s backline.
The Dutchman outranks Manuel Akanji in terms of possessions won (53 to 17), clearances (27 to three) and interceptions (11 to two), making him a sure starter.
Left-back: Joao Cancelo (Manchester City)
Since transitioning into a left-back under Guardiola, Joao Cancelo has put up some impressive numbers in both defence and attack.
Ranking in the top five for successful take-ons and completing more final third passes than any other player, he comfortably sees off Andy Robertson and Kostas Tsimikas.
Central midfielder: Thiago (Liverpool)
The Spanish maestro that is Thiago is a must-have in almost every combined XI due to his range of passing and calmness under pressure.
At 31, he is still proving to be an asset in the middle of the park and his versatility earns him a spot ahead of Ilkay Gundogan on this occasion.
Central midfielder: Rodri (Manchester City)
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In a tough contest between Rodri and Fabinho but the Spaniard comes out on top because of his progressive nature.
No player has completed more passes than the 26-year-old and only Cancelo has completed more in the final third than City’s No16 — a worthy selection as our midfield commander.
Right wing: Mohamed Salah (Liverpool)
Bernardo Silva will feel unlucky to miss out here but Mohamed Salah is one of the world’s best on his day.
The Egyptian King has still recorded five goal contributions in eight matches for the Reds and is having plenty of efforts on target — his class cannot be questioned.
Attacking midfielder: Kevin De Bruyne (Manchester City)
Perhaps the easiest decision of them all comes with the inclusion of Kevin De Bruyne as our attacking midfielder.
World class in the blue of City or the red of Belgium, De Bruyne already has nine assists to his name this season and ranks top of the pile for big chances created with 11.
Left wing: Phil Foden (Manchester City)
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Phil Foden’s recent form has been outstanding. The England international has nine goal contributions in as many league games and shows no sign of slowing down in the build-up to the World Cup.
Luis Diaz gives a good account on the left flank but with half the goals and one fewer assist than the 22-year-old, the injured Colombian will have to settle for a spot on the bench.
Centre forward: Erling Haaland (Manchester City)
Erling Haaland completes a Manchester-dominated attack with the Norwegian putting up some quite unbelievable numbers in his first two months at the Etihad.
Darwin Nunez has been hit and miss on Merseyside and there is no competing with Haaland’s 15 Premier League goals already.
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SOURCE: livescore.com
