The first domestic trophy of the season will be up for grabs on Sunday when Liverpool take on Manchester City at Wembley Stadium in the League Cup final.
Outside90 has constructed a combined Liverpool and Manchester City combined XI assuming that every player was fit.
Did we miss anyone?
Joe Hart – Goalkeeper – Manchester City
No question over this selection. Joe Hart has once again proven to be one of the finest shot-stoppers in the league, while Simon Mignolet continues to frustrate Liverpool fans with his constant errors.
Nathaniel Clyne – Right-back – Liverpool
A tough decision with both Pablo Zabaleta and Bacary Sagna meriting a place in this team, but Nathaniel Clyne gets the nod. Fairly solid defensively this season and has shown his qualities going forward.
Vincent Kompany – Centre-back – Manchester City
How different would things have been if Vincent Kompany was fit this season? The City defence has looked fragile all season without his leadership. A commanding presence and a crucial part of the City backbone.
Mamadou Sakho – Centre-back – Liverpool
Another tough decision, for all the wrong reasons. City’s central defenders have been error-riddled all season and the Reds’ have had their issues too. The Frenchman may look awkward at times with the ball, but is probably the safest choice.
Aleksandar Kolarov – Left-back – Manchester City
The Serbian has been a solid contributor for City this season, although vulnerable defensively at times. Alberto Moreno has improved, but like Kolarov is vulnerable when defending and cannot match the Serbian’s attacking qualities.
David Silva – Right-midfield – Manchester City
He might not be having his finest season, but you cannot possibly leave out a player with the class of David Silva. The Spaniard can weave, turn and produce the killer pass that is fatal to opposition defences. He sneaks in ahead of Kevin De Bruyne who has been outstanding since his summer arrival.
Fernandinho – Centre-midfield – Manchester City
The Brazilian has quickly become one of Manual Pellegrini’s most reliable players and is often the first name on the team sheet. Defensively sound, well disciplined and now an important part of the City midfield.
Yaya Toure – Centre-midfield – Manchester City
Clearly on the decline and nearing the end of his City career, Yaya Toure sneaks into the midfield two. Liverpool’s central midfielders have been underwhelming this season and although the same can be said for the Ivory Coast international, the 32-year-old continues to possess the quality.
Philippe Coutinho – Left-midfield – Liverpool
The Brazilian has improved drastically since arriving in January 2013 and has established himself as Liverpool’s most important player. The 23-year-old is constantly being linked to moves across Europe and the Reds will do well to keep him this summer. Liverpool’s star man has again proved to be Liverpool’s big game player this season.
Daniel Sturridge – Striker – Liverpool
There is no doubting that when fit, Daniel Sturridge is one of the most prolific strikers in the Premier League, averaging a goal every 117.6 minutes – the best of any Liverpool player in Premier League history. The Englishman has only made two league starts for the Reds this campaign, which have yielded three goals.
Sergio Aguero – Striker – Manchester City
The number one striker in the Premier League, but like Sturridge, is constantly hampered by injuries. City’s star man has all the attributes of a world-class striker and has proven that time and time again.
What are your thoughts? Let us know by dropping a comment below via our Facebook comment box. Make sure you follow us on Twitter @Outside90 and like us on Facebook.
