Man City vs Liverpool Combined XI: Salah joins Haaland and Grealish in attack
The Premier League is back after the international break, with Liverpool travelling to Manchester City in Saturday's early kick off. Here we present a combined XI of the two sides.
The Liverpool shotstopper gets in ahead of his Brazilian counterpart Ederson. Alisson has made 78 saves this season for the reds, which is well above Ederson’s 36. He is joint with Ederson on clean sheets (10) and despite his more goals conceded, Alisson makes it in the team.
Trent Alexander Arnold (Liverpool) – 6.93
The stellar right-back of last season has certainly dropped off, both defensively and offensively, but he makes the combined XI. Alexander-Arnold’s rating of 7.52 last season was hard to replicate, yet he has drawn the criticis this season. He has struggled in both areas of the pitch, and his two assists this season are a long way off his 12 from the previous campaign. He is committing marginally more fouls per game this season (0.5) from last season (0.4), and has made the third most unsuccessful crosses (130). With that in mind, he still makes the XI.
Ruben Dias (Manchester City) – 6.81
The only Manchester City defender in the team, Ruben Dias secures the first centre-back spot of the combined XI. Dias is making just over one tackle per 90 (1.1) and averages 2.5 clearances per 90. He has won 69.4% of all his aerial duels, highlighting how solid he has been at the back.
Virgil Van Dijk (Liverpool) – 6.93
The colossal Dutch defender partners Dias at the heart of the defence. In the Premier League, he has only been dribbled past six times, which makes him a difficult player for any attacker to get the better of, all the while winning possession in the defensive third 65 times. His long range passing is also a key aspect of his game having made 223 long passes from his own half to the opposition half, and coupled with his three goals this season, highlights just why he is in the team.
Andrew Robertson (Liverpool) – 6.87
The final defender to in the XI, Robertson has been as influential as ever in the Reds backline. Indeed, his six assists this season is joint with James Maddison, Bruno Fernandes and Martin Odegaard. Only Mohamed Salah and Kevin De Bruyne have more of players at the two clubs, and while Liverpool haven’t been as solid defensively, he still makes 1.2 tackles per 90, reinforcing his inclusion in the side.
Kevin De Bruyne (Manchester City) – 7.51
The top assister in the Premier League season, it is no surprise to see Kevin De Bruyne feature in midfield. He is the highest rated City midfield, and his league-high clear-cut chances created (24) and key passes (78) has earned him the joint most WhoScored man Of The match awards (7) in the Premier League this season.
Rodri (Manchester City) – 7.41
The Spaniard has made the most accurate passes this season (2130) and has attempted the most passes in the opposition half (1350) in the league. His pass accuracy of 91.2% is also impressive, so his inclusion in this combined XI is no surprise.
Ilkay Gundogan (Manchester City) – 6.97
The hero from last season after his two goals against Aston Villa helped City on their way to their sixth Premier League title, Gundogan makes up the last midfield position in this combined XI. His pass accuracy of 86.7%, as well as his six goal contributions, are enough to earn his spot in the team.
Mohamed Salah (Liverpool) – 7.05
After the impressive 36 goal contributions last season, Mohamed Salah’s WhoScored rating of 7.05 compared to last year's rating of 7.54 in the Premier League highlights the fall off he has endured in terms of attacking output. This is likely down to the injuries sustained to Diogo Jota and Luis Diaz this season, coupled with Sadio Mane's summer exit. With that in mind, he still has the 5th most direct goal involvements this season, ahead the likes of Marcus Rashford and Kevin De Bruyne.
Erling Haaland (Manchester City) – 7.52
Top of the goalscorer charts, goal contribution charts and favourite for the player of the year award, it comes as no shock to see Erling Haaland feature as the main striker in this combined XI. His 28 goals and five assists are far and away the most in the division, and he has lit up the league this season, with four hat-tricks. An injury doubt, he'll lead the City charge if fit, that goes without saying!
Jack Grealish (Manchester City) – 7.20
Many eyes were on Jack Grealish after his staggering £100m to Manchester City, and he has still struggled to convince. Nevertheless, seven goal contributions has helped return a rating of 7.20, which is fourth for City, and 16th overall. He has gone under the radar somewhat, but rounds off this team.
