FILE PHOTO (EDITORS NOTE: GRADIENT ADDED – COMPOSITE OF TWO IMAGES – Image numbers (L) 531578890 and 899524772) In this composite image a comparison has been made between Jurgen Klopp, Manager of Liverpool (L) and Manchester City manager Josep Guardiola. Liverpool and Manchester City have been drawn together in the Champions League Quarter Finals of the 2017/18 season. ***LEFT IMAGE*** WEST BROMWICH, ENGLAND – MAY 15: Jurgen Klopp, manager of Liverpool looks on during the Barclays Premier League match between West Bromwich Albion and Liverpool at The Hawthorns on May 15, 2016 in West Bromwich, England. (Photo by Ben Hoskins/Getty Images) ***RIGHT IMAGE*** MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 23: Manchester City manager Josep Guardiola looks on during the Premier League match between Manchester City and AFC Bournemouth at Etihad Stadium on December 23, 2017 in Manchester, England. Combined Liverpool & Manchester City XI. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)
To preview the emphatic Champions League tie between Liverpool and Manchester City, I have compiled my combined Liverpool & Manchester City XI.
The Champions League quarterfinal fixture which has caught the eyes of most is that of Liverpool vs Manchester City. Many are predicting the score, looking back at previous encounters, etc. but I decided to compare the individual players. That said, I have created a combined Liverpool & Manchester City XI.
Liverpool put an end to City’s league unbeaten run, but will they be able to get the better of them in the Champions League? Many are predicting Liverpool to get the edge over Pep Guardiola’s men, but are City just too strong? There are many unanswered questions.
It will be an end-to-end game, there is no denying that. Both teams pride themselves on a fiery attack, with the iconic Liverpool front three scoring goals for fun this season. It may be a case of which defense wants it more, and while many shake off Liverpool’s defensive prowess, it’s important to remember that they have a rather impressive defensive record.
If you want to read into fixture in more depth, we have previewed the match, as well as giving our prediction. Without further ado, here is my combined Liverpool & Manchester City XI.
previewed the match</a>, as well as giving our prediction. Without further ado, here is my combined Liverpool & Manchester City XI.</p>
<div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background: #0" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://playingfor90.com/2018/04/04/champions-league-combined-liverpool-manchester-city-xi/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> Goalkeeper and Full backs </a>
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<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:590px;">LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – MARCH 31: Ederson of Manchester City shows appreciation to the fans after the Premier League match between Everton and Manchester City at Goodison Park on March 31, 2018 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)</p>
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<h4>Goalkeeper – Ederson</h4>
<p>Ederson was bought by Pep Guardiola in the summer, and what a signing he has turned out to be. As we have seen in many examples, it’s important to have a top quality goalkeeper if you want to win the big titles, and Ederson only proves this point.</p>
<h4>Right back – Kyle Walker</h4>
<p>Kyle Walker is another new addition for Manchester City, and he has been another impressive signing. His blistering speed and willingness to get forward will cause the opposing defense problems. Having learnt under Pep Guardiola and Mauricio Pochettino, he is guaranteed in this combined Liverpool & Manchester City XI.</p>
<h4>Left back – Andrew Robertson</h4>
<p>Jurgen Klopp has uncovered a gem in Andrew Robertson. Arriving from Hull City, he had no pressure to perform, which is why his performances for Liverpool have impressed many. Manchester City will be fully aware of his work ethic as well as his defensive solidity. He could cause many problems in this match.</p>
<div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background: #0" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://playingfor90.com/2018/04/04/champions-league-combined-liverpool-manchester-city-xi/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> Center backs </a>
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<h4>Center back – Virgil van Dijk</h4>
<p>Virgil van Dijk has established himself as one of the best defenders in the Premier League. Although he’s suffered a fair bit of criticism since his move to Liverpool, he has performed exceptionally well.</p>
<p>He will look to cut out the well-organised Manchester City attacks, with his tenacity and willingness to put his body on the line.</p>
<h4>Center back – Nicolas Otamendi</h4>
<p>It was a tough call to leave out the vigilant Vincent Kompany, but I feel like Nicolas Otamendi has earned his place in the combined Liverpool & Manchester City XI. The Argentine has been a brick wall at the back for Manchester City, and he’s also got on the end of a few goals this season.</p>
<div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background: #0" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://playingfor90.com/2018/04/04/champions-league-combined-liverpool-manchester-city-xi/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> Center midfielders </a>
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<h4>Center midfield – David Silva</h4>
<p>Of course, the Spanish maestro needed to make this combined Liverpool & Manchester City XI. His technical ability is simply unmatched, and he doesn’t seem to be losing any with age. He has been a loyal servant to Manchester City, and he deserves every bit of praise he gets.</p>
<h4>Center midfield – Kevin De Bruyne</h4>
<p>It seems like Kevin De Bruyne can play in any position, which is what makes him a valuable asset to Pep Guardiola. Kevin De Bruyne often plays the killer pass which takes opposing defenders out of the equation. The Liverpool midfield must not give these two any space or time on the ball.</p>
<div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background: #0" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://playingfor90.com/2018/04/04/champions-league-combined-liverpool-manchester-city-xi/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> Attacking midfield </a>
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<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:590px;">LONDON, ENGLAND – MARCH 31: Mohamed Salah of Liverpool celebrates after scoring his sides second goal during the Premier League match between Crystal Palace and Liverpool at Selhurst Park on March 31, 2018 in London, England. (Photo by Jordan Mansfield/Getty Images)</p>
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<h4>Right wing – Mohamed Salah</h4>
<p>For me, Mohamed Salah has been the player of the season in the Premier League. He leads the goal scoring tally at 29 goals. For a winger’s debut season, this is very, very impressive. Whenever there is Mohamed Salah, there is a chance.</p><div class="widget fs_ads"> <div class="fs_ad_widget-ad" style="margin:0 auto; width: 300px;"> <div class="fs-ll-ad" data-ad-type="minutemedia_slideshow_inline_300x250__desktop__tablet" data-vendor="minutemedia">
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<h4>Center forward – Roberto Firmino</h4>
<p>The Brazilian’s input often goes overlooked. He is the anchor for Liverpool, which is rare to see in the modern game. You will often see him drop deep to link the midfield and attack, and he’s no stranger to getting stuck into tackles.</p>
<h4>Left wing – Leroy Sane</h4>
<p>Leroy Sane, at the age of just 22, has established himself as one of the Premier League’s finest players. He has provided 11 assists for Manchester City, only Kevin De Bruyne has more in the Premier League.</p>
<div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background: #0" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://playingfor90.com/2018/04/04/champions-league-combined-liverpool-manchester-city-xi/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> Striker </a>
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<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:590px;">LONDON, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 25: Sergio Aguero of Manchester City kisses the trophy after winning the Carabao Cup Final between Arsenal and Manchester City at Wembley Stadium on February 25, 2018 in London, England. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)</p>
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<h4>Striker – Sergio Aguero</h4>
<p>Sergio Aguero is one of the finest strikers to grace the Premier League. In my opinion, he is the best since Thierry Henry. He can score all types of goals, which is why Liverpool can take real relief out of the Argentine being ruled out of this match.</p>
<p>This concludes my combined Liverpool & Manchester City XI. With an abundance of talent to choose from, it was hard to make a lot of the choices.</p>
<p>That said, I would love to hear your thoughts, so don’t be afraid to drop your combined Liverpool & Manchester City XI in the comments, and keep the discussion going!</p>
<p><em>All statistics are courtesy of <a href=https://playingfor90.com/2018/04/04/champions-league-combined-liverpool-manchester-city-xi/"https://www.premierleague.com/">Premier League</a>.</em></p><!—pageview_candidate—>">