KDB makes combined XI dominated by Man City ahead of Liverpool showdown

 

Ahead of today's decisive title clash between Liverpool and Manchester City, we take a look at the combined XI of those to have made more than five appearances in the Premier League this season. City are the dominant side in this XI, boasting six players to Liverpool's five. 

 

Caoimhin Kelleher (Liverpool) - 6.75 

 

In the absence of Alisson, Caoimhin Kelleher has excelled between the sticks for Liverpool as evidenced by a WhoScored rating of 6.75. The 25-year-old boasts the third best save success rate (71.4%) in the division to boost his reputation for the Reds. 

 

Kyle Walker (Manchester City) - 6.78 

 

One of Pep Guardiola's trusted defenders features at right-back. Kyle Walker may have struggled for form in the Manchester City defence this season but in the absence of Trent Alexander-Arnold, the experienced England international features in the role in this XI. 

 

Ibrahima Konate (Liverpool) - 6.90 

 

Liverpool fans will be hopeful that Ibrahima Konate's withdrawal on Thursday night was a precaution rather than a serious injury. The Frenchman has been superb for the Reds this season, forging a solid centre-back partnership with Virgil van Dijk for Jurgen Klopp's side. 

 

Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool) - 7.29 

 

The best rated centre-back in the Premier League, Van Dijk rightly makes this combined XI as he looks to captain Liverpool to the title in Jurgen Klopp's final season at the club. The Dutchman has been dribbled past just the once this season to help return a WhoScored rating of 7.29. 

 

Andrew Robertson (Liverpool) - 7.03 

 

Rounding off the defence is the penultimate Liverpool player in this combined XI. Injury has restricted Andrew Robertson to just 11 league starts this season but he's been solid for the Reds. The attacking output has failed to match previous campaigns with the Scot scoring just one goal and providing one assist but his performances at left-back have helped the 29-year-old to a WhoScored rating of 7.03. 

 

Bernardo Silva (Manchester City) - 7.20 

 

The first of an all-Manchester City midfield, Bernardo Silva continues to prove one of the club's unheralded stars. The Portugal international was excellent in the Manchester Derby as he made seven key passes, five dribbles and four interceptions to warm up for the trip to Liverpool in style. 

 

KDB makes combined XI dominated by Man City ahead of Liverpool showdown

 

Rodri (Manchester City) - 7.59 

 

The top rated player in this combined XI, and second best in the Premier League overall, Rodri has continued to prove why he is the best in his position in world football. The Spain international ranks top for passes per game (105.4) in the Premier League this season, and has been directly involved in 11 league goals so far, scoring six. 

 

Kevin De Bruyne (Manchester City) - 7.28 

 

Injury has restricted Kevin De Bruyne to just eight league outings this season, with the Belgian starting five times in England's top tier this term. Despite a lack of game time, De Bruyne has registered four assists to help complete the midfield with a WhoScored rating of 7.28. 

 

Mohamed Salah (Liverpool) - 7.48 

 

Liverpool fans are hoping Mohamed Salah will make just his second start of 2024 this weekend. Salah featured from the bench in midweek and so often takes centre stage against Manchester City. The Egypt forward has scored 11 times against City in his career and netted the winning goal in this fixture last season.

 

Erling Haaland (Manchester City) - 7.41 

 

The Premier League's top scorer leads the charge in this combined XI. Erling Haaland has scored more goals (18) than any other player in England's top tier this term, and has struck seven times in his last three games. Haaland netted in the reverse fixture this season, so will be confident of adding to his goal haul this afternoon. 

 

Phil Foden (Manchester City) - 7.45

 

Phil Foden is enjoying his most prolific campaign to date having scored 11 goals and provided seven assists. Foden put in one of his best rated performances of the season in the Manchester Derby last weekend, which bodes well for City ahead of the trip to Anfield.

KDB makes combined XI dominated by Man City ahead of Liverpool showdown