Combined XI: Liverpool vs Everton – #MerseysideDerbyWeek
Derby buildup to the big game!
It’s one of the biggest fixtures on the Premier League calendar.
Liverpool, where football is so much, it’s always a big deal when the two biggest clubs in the city collide, and that occasion arises again on Saturday.
The Reds have had the upper hand in these games over recent years, in face, Everton haven’t managed to win at Anfield since 1998, but this season, Everton have improved vastly under Roberto Martinez, and their squad is getting stronger.
Here, our task is to produce a combined starting XI for the two teams, which is a difficult task with the calibre of player in both squads.
Do you agree with our team? Take a look!
GK) Simon Mignolet – Liverpool
It’s a case of choosing from a bad bunch here, and Liverpool’s Simon Mignolet has redeemed himself between the sticks this season. He has always been a good shot stopper, and his stats saving penalties are what puts him into this team ahead of Martin Stekelenberg, Joel Robles and Loris Karius.
RB) Seamus Coleman – Everton
Unfortunately, Coleman will be missing the game after suffering a horrific broken leg on international duty for Northern Ireland. He’s out for the foreseeable future, but when fully fit, is a better choice than Liverpool’s Nathaniel Clyne.
CB) Ashley Williams – Everton
Williams has done a fantastic job since signing for Everton in the summer, and has proved a good partner at the back for Phil Jagielka, who was also in contention to make it into this team.
CB) Joel Matip – Liverpool
One of the best free signings of the season, Matip has been praised for his composure on the ball and strong tackling, so makes it into the team ahead of his 1st choice defensive partnet Dejan Lovren, who has been out with an injury recently.
LB) James Milner – Liverpool
This is the position that caused the most debate in the office. Milner edges it because this season, Baines has been rather average, perhaps underperforming to his usual standards, while Milner has done a superb job playing out of position and has scored 7 out of 7 penalties, therefore Milner wins.
CM) Jordan Henderson – Liverpool
The Liverpool captain has struggled this season with injury this season, but when fit, has been instrumental in Liverpool’s midfield, and sneaks into this team ahead of Idrissa Gueye.
CM) Morgan Schneiderlin – Everton
Schneiderlin has only signed for Everton in January, but has made a fantastic start to his career at Goodison Park and has pleased Toffee fans with his performances so far.
CM) Adam Lallana – Liverpool
An excellent performer for Liverpool this season but another absentee on Saturday after picking up a calf strain with England. He works hard and scores goal, despite missing that sitter vs Manchester City.
RW) Sadio Mane – Liverpool
Mane is the man who scored the winner in the reverse fixture in December, late into added time at Goodison. He’s been one of the signings of the season, and his performances earn him an easy spot in this team.
ST) Romelu Lukaku – Everton
The main man for the Toffees walks into this team, will he be the difference in the derby on Saturday?
LW) Philippe Coutinho
After a fantastic beginning to this season, Coutinho has struggled to get back to form after injuring his ankle in November. At his best, however, he’s a fantastic player. But will he be in a Liverpool shirt at the beginning of next season? Who knows.
By Ben Kelly – @benkelly_10