A glance at a combined team of Liverpool and Arsenal ahead of their clash on Wednesday.
One of the biggest fixtures so far is set to take place on Wednesday, between Liverpool and Arsenal at Anfield.
The reverse fixture in August spitted out a tense 0-0 draw at the Emirates, with both teams having chances to take the early season 3 points. With Arsenal now flying high in the table and Liverpool having changed manager since that Monday night in London, the 3 points here are very important for both teams.
Could a combined team of these two sides win the Premier League with ease? Who would make the team? We have a look here. We’re including injured players in this one, with a stunning 13 Liverpool first team players currently sidelined.
GK: Petr Cech – Arsenal
It’s an obvious choice really. He has more experience and even despite his age he’s a much better goalkeeper than Simon Mignolet. Simon has wonderful ability when it comes to shot stopping- but Cech’s confidence on the ball and authority when coming out for crosses/corners makes him the first choice for this team.
RB: Nathaniel Clyne – Liverpool
A lot of Brendan Rodgers’ signings over the last two summers have been criticized, players like Lazar Markovic and Mario Balotelli are no where to be seen anymore, but Clyne is different. He’s reproducing the same form he was showing at Southampton last season, getting forward at the right times, and is a good defender too, possibly Liverpool’s best. He’s a better choice for this team than Arsenal’s Mathieu Debuchy, due to his athleticism and ability to get forward.
CB: Laurent Koscielny – Arsenal
At the moment, he’s the best centre back in the league, he’s such a rock at the heart of the Arsenal defence. A loyal captain and a very gifted defender, Liverpool will really struggle to break down the Arsenal defence at Anfield on Wednesday if he’s at the centre of it, especially with the lack of players Liverpool have fit.
CB: Mamadou Sakho – Liverpool
Sakho, despite being injured at the moment, is constantly growing confidence in the league and devloping great partnerships with his fellow centre-backs at Liverpool. He gets the nod ahead of Skrtel because, if you actually look at Liverpool’s stats this season, Sakho is performing better on the pitch, and you can’t argue with stats.
LB: Nacho Monreal – Arsenal
Monreal is a top solid defender who also, like Clyne, does his fair share of getting forward. He’s very much a key part of the solid Arsenal defence that has them sitting at the top of the league at the moment, and gets the nod ahead of Alberto Moreno due to his better defensive qualities.
CDM: Aaron Ramsey – Arsenal
He’s getting better and better every season, Ramsey’s creativity going forward and leadership qualities in the middle of midfield are first class, he’s great at linking up with Mesut Ozil and players further forward than him, as well as getting back and playing a more defensive role.
CDM: Jordan Henderson – Liverpool
Despite spending much of this season injured, for me, Jordan has been a good shout as replacement captain after the departure of Steven Gerrard, with his energy really making a difference when he starts in the side. Out with a heel injury at the moment, he’s a doubt for this game, but will be a big boost for the Reds if he can pass fit.
RW: Alexis Sanchez – Arsenal
One of the best players in the league last season, he’s an absolute goal-machine for the Gunners and will cause Liverpool trouble on Wednesday. He’s had no real problems adapting to Premier League football in the last 18 months and already has a couple of goals against Liverpool, he will need to be stopped on Wednesday.
CAM: Mesut Ozil – Arsenal
Ozil has really turned it on this season after taking a couple of seasons to find his feet in such a fast paced league. But he’s been magnificent this season, with the ability to assist and pick out any pass possibly, and get his fair share of goals too, it will be important for Liverpool to keep this man quiet.
LW: Santi Cazorla – Arsenal
Cazorla is very underrated at Arsenal, the work he puts in and the goals he scores are world-class, he’s great at set-pieces and can pick out passes as well as any other player in the side. He’s a real important piece in Arsenal’s side, and can cause Liverpool trouble on Wednesday.
ST: Daniel Sturridge – Liverpool
Despite his constant injury problems, this lad is just a game changer for Liverpool when he’s on the pitch. He comes on and he gets such vital goals for the team that changes games, and Liverpool often struggle for goals when he isn’t playing. He’s still a doubt for the game next week with a hamstring problem, but would be a massive boost for Liverpool if he’s passed fit.
By Ben Kelly – @benkelly_10
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