For several seasons, it was these two sides who dominated the English game.
Manchester City have always been the more dominant team in the rivalry, with Liverpool winning just one league title, but the Reds did push City to the final day on a few occasions.
Now, however, Liverpool have fallen by the wayside and been replaced by Arsenal as Man City’s closest title challenger.
Liverpool have won just two league games this season, whilst Manchester City are unbeaten in the division.
This clear gulf in form is reflected in 101GreatGoals’ Liverpool and Manchester City combined XI.
📰 Table Of Contents
GK: Ederson
Both Alisson and Ederson are solid goalkeepers. However, Ederson is better with the ball at his feet and is also arguably a better shot-stopper. He has five clean sheets to his name this season, compared to Alisson’s two.
RB: Joao Cancelo
Joao Cancelo, though, is great going forward (two goals and five assists in 2022/23) and is also solid at the back.
RCB: Manuel Akanji
None of Liverpool’s backline have really covered themselves in glory this season, even Virgil van Dijk. The Reds’ problems in midfield and at right-back have left the Dutchman, Joel Matip and more exposed on countless occasions.
So, it makes sense to use two Manchester City defenders in the XI. All City’s centre-backs have been in great form this term, but the way Akanji has slotted straight into the team after such a short time is impressive.
LCB: Ruben Dias
Again, Aymeric Laporte, Nathan Ake and John Stones could all easily fit in this spot based on their current form. But as Ruben Dias has been one of the most consistent defenders in England for some time, he takes the place.
LB: Andy Robertson
As Kyle Walker is injured, Manchester City’s only other natural full-back is Sergio Gomez. Gomez has played little football this season and was most recently sent off vs Copenhagen. So, Andy Robertson earns this spot more out of a lack of options rather than form.
CDM: Rodri
Fabinho has looked a shadow of his former self this season and has even been benched by Jurgen Klopp a few times.
Rodri, though, continues to impress with his ability on the ball and defensive awareness second to none.
CM: Kevin De Bruyne
Kevin De Bruyne has one goal and nine assists in the Premier League this season and looks set to break the assist record currently shared by himself and Thierry Henry. Nobody in Liverpool’s midfield is on his level.
CM: Ilkay Gundogan
Ilkay Gundogan continues to impress for the Sky Blues with his runs from deep into the box. He also has a good understanding with Erling Haaland. None of Thiago, Jordan Henderson or Harvey Elliott have been close to matching Gundogan this season.
RW: Mohamed Salah
Mohamed Salah has not been at his best this campaign, scoring two and assisting three in eight league games.
However, Manchester City’s right-wing options have not been overly impressive this season so far.
ST: Erling Haaland
15 goals and three assists in nine league matches.
LW: Phil Foden
Foden has taken his game to the next level this season. He has scored six and assisted three in nine PL ties and is forming a great understanding with Erling Haaland.
For Liverpool, meanwhile, both Luis Diaz and Diogo Jota have looked average.
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