COMBINED XI: Manchester City/Liverpool

SillySeason put together their combined XI for Saturday’s game

Manchester City host Liverpool on Saturday evening and we thought it would be a good idea to put together our combined XI for the two sides.

City and Liverpool usually put on entertaining matches, and we expect Saturday’s match at the Etihad Stadium to be at the same level of excitement.

However, what side would be fielded if the two had to combine?

Well here at SillySeason, we have put together our City/Liverpool XI.

Here it is!

Goalkeeper – Joe Hart – Manchester City

Pretty simply decision up first for goalkeeper. Joe Hart.

Yes he’s made a few errors in the past and had a couple of turbulent spells, but he’s still a top-drawer goalkeeper and lets face it, he’s better than Simon Mignolet.

Joe Hart is in between the sticks for this combined XI.

Right-Back – Nathaniel Clyne – Liverpool

We went with Nathaniel Clyne for the right-back slot.

Pablo Zabaleta would usually take the starting role at full-back, but he’s barely played for Manchester City this year, so it seemed harsh to give him the position.

In our opinion, Clyne is just a tad better than Bacary Sagna, and therefore he makes the cut.

Centre-Back – Vincent Kompany – Manchester City

He may have had a season to forget last year, but Vincent Kompany has been back to his former-self so far this time around.

Ever-dependable and a great leader at the heart of the defence.

Easy decision to put him in the starting XI, especially with the errors in Liverpool’s back-line.

Centre-Back – Martin Skrtel – Liverpool

 

Although he may be prone to an error or two at the back, Martin Skrtel is still a top centre-half and easily Liverpool’s best option in that position.

Nicolas Otamendi was considered for this slot, but we don’t feel he’s shown enough in the Premier League just yet to make our combined XI.

Skrtel goes in alongside Kompany.

Left-Back – Aleksandr Kolarov – Manchester City

Tricky one this as neither club is gifted with great left-backs, but in our eyes, Aleksandr Kolarov is the best option.

Reliable at the back, solid going forward and a set-piece specialist.

He gets the nod over Gael Clichy and Alberto Moreno.

Centre-Midfield – Yaya Toure – Manchester City

He might be aging and maybe on the decline, but he’s still good enough to get into the combined XI team here.

Yaya Toure has been one of the best Premier League midfielders since arriving from FC Barcelona and he is a commanding figure in the heart of the midfield.

Powerful, quick and just a delight to watch on his day, Toure is a vital part of City’s team and would be a vital part of this combined XI too.

Centre-Midfield – Jordan Henderson – Liverpool

He may be injured at this time, but Jordan Henderson would slot in alongside Yaya Toure if fit.

It was a toss-up between Henderson and Fernandinho, but for us, Hendo takes it for Liverpool.

He’s been superb in recent games against City and does seem to turn up for the big occasions. Replacing Steven Gerrard at Anfield is no easy feat, but he looks to be on his way in doing so.

Right-Midfield – Kevin De Bruyne – Manchester City

Technically a centre-attacking midfielder, but to get into the team, we’ve pushed him onto the right-hand side of the midfield.

De Bruyne has been in sensational form for Manchester City since arriving from Wolfsburg and he’s shown Chelsea what they could have had already.

Scoring goals and making assists, De Bruyne has settled into Premier League life with ease.

Looks like he’s well on his way to paying back what City paid for him.

Centre-Attacking Midfield – Philippe Coutinho – Liverpool

The magician as Liverpool fans call him.

Philippe Coutinho manages to pull Liverpool through some tricky situations, similar to how Gareth Bale did for Spurs a few seasons ago, and that’s why he makes our team.

His vision is superb, his creativity is top-notch and his ability in front of goal is incredible.

Overall a stunning talent and deserves a spot in our XI.

Left-Midfield – Raheem Sterling – Manchester City

Look away now Liverpool fans.

Yes it’s Raheem Sterling who gets the left-wing role for this combined XI.

He was one of Liverpool’s best players until he jumped ship to join Manchester City, and despite not being the finished article just yet, he’s still better than any of Liverpool’s current wingers.

Work on his finished and Sterling could become a top, top player.

Striker – Sergio Aguero – Manchester City

Both Manchester City’s and Liverpool’s strikers are injury-prone, but which one is better when fit? Sergio Aguero or Daniel Sturridge?

I think most football fans would agree with us for picking the former.

Aguero is probably the best player in the Premier League when he’s fit and arguably one of the greatest strikers in the world.

The only issue there is ‘when fit’, he seems to be picking up severe injuries every season.

Despite his injuries however, he still seems to finish as the Premier League’s top goalscorer, so that tells you something.

 

There is our combined Manchester City/Liverpool XI.

What would yours be?

Written by Alex Batt – @AlexBatt