Easily the standout fixture in the next round of Premier League fixtures will take place at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday afternoon as Manchester City welcome Liverpool.
City have struggled to show consistency in the early stages of their 2020-21 domestic campaign and are currently 10th in the table, having picked up 11 points from their first six games of the season.
Liverpool, meanwhile, are currently the leaders in England's top flight, collecting 16 points from their seven matches, with their recent form particularly impressive despite the blow of losing Virgil van Dijk.
Jurgen Klopp's side will enter the clash off the back of a brilliant 5-0 victory away to Atalanta BC in the Champions League on Tuesday night, while City were also European winners during the week, recording a 3-0 success over Olympiacos at the Etihad Stadium.
Pep Guardiola's team beat Sheffield United 1-0 in the league last weekend to make it three victories in a row in all competitions, and they will be determined to overcome the champions on Sunday.
Some of Premier League's biggest talents will be on display in Manchester and with that in mind, Sports Mole picks a combined XI from both squads, using only players available for the game.
The goalkeeping spot in this particular XI was difficult to pick, with the two clubs arguably boasting the leading two stoppers in England's top flight. Liverpool have actually conceded 15 times in the Premier League this season, but Alisson Becker was injured for the heavy defeat to Aston Villa, and there is no question that the Brazilian has been an outstanding signing for Klopp's team. Ederson's recent form for City has also been excellent, but the Liverpool goalkeeper just about gets the nod between the sticks.
In truth, the back four was not difficult to select. Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andrew Robertson are so key for Liverpool and were outstanding last season, and the pair deserve their spots in the side over Kyle Walker and Joao Cancelo, with City having their issues in the full-back areas. Van Dijk would have been a certain starter had he been available, but the absence of the Netherlands international means that two City players get the nod in the middle of the defence, with summer signing Ruben Dias chosen alongside Aymeric Laporte.
Dias has made a strong start to his City career, while Laporte is undoubtedly one of the best central defenders in the Premier League when free from injury and in full flow. The defence was not particularly problematic to choose, but the midfield presented an interesting dilemma as there is certainly a need for balance.
Kevin De Bruyne, who has already provided six assists in nine appearances this season, absolutely sails into the XI, and there would also have been a spot for Thiago Alcantara had the Spaniard been available. Rodri and Ilkay Gundogan are both expected to line up alongside De Bruyne in the City midfield this weekend, but Jordan Henderson and Georginio Wijnaldum have been selected in this particular XI.
Henderson showed his importance to the Reds during the 2019-20 campaign, while Wijnaldum is a key player for the English champions and his ability to both defend and attack would be key as part of a midfield three with teammate Henderson and the outstanding De Bruyne.
Sergio Aguero's absence, coupled with Roberto Firmino's goal troubles, means that Raheem Sterling gets the nod through the middle in this team. The 25-year-old has been in impressive form for Guardiola's side this season, scoring five times and contributing four assists in 11 appearances in all competitions. Gabriel Jesus is now available and should start for City on Sunday, but Sterling is included at the tip of the attack in this side.
Sadio Mane takes the spot on the left, with the 28-year-old netting five times and providing three assists in 10 appearances this season. There are not many better left-sided attackers in world football than the Senegal international, who has four Premier League goals to his name this season.
Mohamed Salah, meanwhile, is handed the final spot in the side. The Egypt international has managed nine goals in 12 appearances in all competitions this season, including seven in seven Premier League encounters. Salah has now scored an incredible 103 goals in 164 appearances for the Reds and will be determined to help his team overcome the Citizens at the Etihad Stadium.
Matt Law
