No space for Foden or Grealish in Man City-Liverpool ultimate XI
Manchester City's welcome of Liverpool promises to be a game of the highest quality. The pair are separated by just a point at the top of the Premier League table in a clash that will prove key in the title race.
Liverpool haven't won a league match at the Etihad Stadium since 2015 when they ran out 4-1 winners, and the impression is that the Reds need to come away with all three points from Sunday's game if they are to secure domestic glory.
Ahead of this one, we take a look at the combined XI between the two teams using their respective WhoScored league ratings this season. This means that Luis Diaz, for example, would have his FC Porto rating alongside his Liverpool rating taken into account when determining this XI.
There are a number of mini-battles ahead of the monster meeting this weekend with the goalkeeper the first to be determined. Brazilian pair Ederson and Alisson sit level on 18 goals conceded and 17 clean sheets ahead of Sunday's match, but it's the latter (6.91) who edges out the former (6.77) in this XI.
Joao Cancelo (7.46) ensures it is not an all-Liverpool backline, with Andy Robertson (7.26) missing out at left-back. The Scot has enjoyed a fine start to the year, yet Cancelo has been one of the most consistent performers in England's top tier this term, so the Portuguese defender understandably makes the grade.
On the opposite flank, Trent Alexander-Arnold (7.57), as the second best-rated player in the Premier League, was always going to feature in this XI having registered more assists (11) than any other player in England's top tier this term. Joel Matip (7.31) and Virgil van Dijk (7.20) are the two centre-backs in this 4-3-3 system.
While Liverpool dominate the defence, Manchester City fill all three spots in the midfield. Rodri (7.34) anchors the midfield in this team as the Spaniard continues to shine for Pep Guardiola's side, with Fabinho (7.12) unable to force his way into this side. Kevin De Bruyne (7.47) and Bernardo Silva (7.32) flank Rodri in the combined XI with the pair key in City's title pursuit.
With a better WhoScored rating than any other Premier League player this season, Mohamed Salah (7.67) operates from the right. Salah is the only player to register double figures for both goals (20) and assists (10) in the 2021/22 Premier League campaign and while the goals have dried up of late, the Egyptian is still a force to be reckoned with, and has scored four of Liverpool's last six league goals against City.
Sadio Mane (7.29) has operated through the middle for Liverpool in recent weeks to accomodate January arrival Luis Diaz (7.81), with the pair starring in the side at the expense of English pair Phil Foden (7.24) and Jack Grealish (7.12), respectively. The Reds, therefore, dominate this XI and they'll hope this translates into three huge points on Sunday.
