Liverpool vs Arsenal combined XI: Alexis Sanchez, Philippe Coutinho, Sadio Mane and Mesut Ozil — can’t fit them all in
Top four contenders battle it out at Anfield — and it will be two exciting attacking sides up against two unreliable backlines
IT’S one of the stand-out fixtures in the English domestic calendar.
Liverpool host Arsenal today in a repeat of the opening day cracker which saw the Reds leave the Emirates with all three points after a 4-3 victory.
But after brief flirtations with a title challenge, both sides now face a battle just to make the top four.
Two exciting attacks go up against dodgy defences in what promises to be an enthralling game.
But who makes it into our combined XI?
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Goalkeeper
Petr Cech
Not that the former Chelsea man has been particularly outstanding, but he has been better than his rivals.
Simon Mignolet has shown signs of improvement, having initially been dropped in favour of the hapless Loris Karius.
Cech has been far less reliable than usual, but he still makes this team. Just.
Defence
Hector Bellerin
Rightly considered the best right-back in the league, but mistakes have crept into his game.
Still, he just fends off competition from Nathaniel Clyne in a closely-fought contest.
It’s catch-22 for Arsenal: if Bellerin plays well, helps the team — but attracts interest from Barcelona and Manchester City.
Laurent Koscielny
Frenchman is still Arsenal’s most solid performer, even if he far from his commanding best.
It is no surprise the Gunners’ collapse against Bayern Munich came after Koscielny had been substituted.
May not be at his strongest, but is still the defender of the lot.
Joel Matip
Has enjoyed a productive first season in English football.
Matip showed his importance in the early part of the season — and was seriously missed when out injured or absent due to Africa Cup of Nations non-involvement.
However, like his team, has been way below par in 2017.
James Milner
This is remarkable, isn’t it?
Somehow, Milner is now a netter left-back than players who have spent their entire careers in that position.
While not pulling up any trees, he hasn’t let anybody let down. Pretty much like his entire career.
Midfield
Adam Lallana
Not his natural position — but it was imperative to find a place for the England man.
On his day, he can be the match winner.
Lallana is a quality player who would grace most teams in the Premier League.
Aaron Ramsey
Is only really in the team due to the absence of Jordan Henderson through injury.
The Welshman has been far from his best and benefits from a lack of competition to make the team.
Should Arsene Wenger leave in the summer, Ramsey’s future could be in serious doubt.
Attacking midfield
Sadio Mane
A devastating player for Liverpool when on form.
Fans weren’t aware just how much they would miss him until he went away for the Africa Cup of Nations.
Mane has been a sensational summer acquisition from Southampton.
He has quickly established himself as arguably their most important player.
Philippe Coutinho
It’s the Brazilian who wins the duel against Mesut Ozil.
Both are supremely talented, but Coutinho is a match winner — and produces his best when his team need it most.
Ozil has class, but is afraid to get his hands dirty.
Roberto Firmino
Coutinho’s fellow Brazilian has continued to improve under Jurgen Klopp.
Firmino is far from the finished article, but has become important to this Liverpool side.
Easily keeps Daniel Sturridge out of the team.
Attack
Alexis Sanchez
One of the Premier League’s best players — and contender for the Football of the Year award.
Sanchez has been moved to the lone striker role, and responded by reaching the top of the goal scoring charts.
Like Bellerin, his ambition may outweigh Arsenal’s and the Chilean could move on sooner rather than later.