As Liverpool and Tottenham prepare to face each other in the Premier League this weekend, which players make it into Henry Jackson’s combined XI?
The Reds visit Wembley on Sunday afternoon looking to build on Tuesday’s 7-0 destruction of Maribor, and back-to-back clean-sheets.
Spurs have grown into one of the most formidable sides in the Premier League under Mauricio Pochettino, and it will be a tough afternoon for the visitors.
We all waste away many hours debating football on a daily basis, and combined XIs are always something that stir debate among rival supporters.
The question is: who would make up your best team of Liverpool and Spurs stars?
Here’s what we think, using players currently fit and playing regularly.
(4-3-3 formation)
Goalkeeper: Hugo Lloris
Although not always the most convincing goalkeeper in the world, Hugo Lloris is still one of the best in the business, and gets the nod over Simon Mignolet.
Both are capable of making mistakes and costing their team – Mignolet has been much improved this calendar year – but Lloris’ use of the ball, leadership and consistency give him the edge over the Liverpool ‘keeper.
Right-Back: Kieran Trippier
With Kyle Walker joining Man City and Serge Aurier still finding his feet, Kieran Trippier has been a very reliable presence at right-back for Spurs.
The 27-year-old is never going to set the world alight, but he is an intelligent footballer who can both attack and defend with quality. He will be eyeing up a place in the England squad at next summer’s World Cup.
Nathaniel Clyne is injured, while Joe Gomez and Trent Alexander-Arnold are still learning their trade.
Centre-Back: Toby Alderweireld
There is a strong argument to say that Toby Alderweireld is the Premier League‘s best centre-back, and he has been a superb signing from Atletico Madrid.
Strong, mobile, good on the ball and an expert reader of the game, he is one of Spurs’ key players, and is far superior to anything Liverpool have.
The Belgian has been a crucial part of a defence that has conceded just five times in their opening eight league games in 2017/18.
Centre-Back: Jan Vertonghen
Jan Vertonghen might not quite be at the level of his centre-back partner, but he is a hugely experienced figure with a beautiful left foot.
He has given five years of excellent service to his current club, and at 30 years of age, is just about at his peak for a central defender.
New signing Davinson Sanchez looks a defender of great potential, but he hasn’t yet proved himself over a sustained period.
Left-Back: Alberto Moreno
Who would have predicted this during the summer?
Alberto Moreno has been one of Liverpool’s most consistent performers since August, making great improvements after such erratic showings in the last three years.
He isn’t perfect, by any means, but he pips the solid Ben Davies to a starting berth, with Danny Rose still not fully fit.
Centre Midfield: Eric Dier
With both Victor Wanyama and Mousa Dembele missing vast chunks of the season to date, Eric Dier has stepped in and shielded the Spurs defence effectively.
Jordan Henderson‘s inconsistent start to the campaign sees his England teammate chosen ahead him, while in-form Harry Winks also just misses out.
Centre Midfield: Emre Can
Emre Can still doesn’t have universal love from the Liverpool fanbase, but he is improving all the time and has the potential to be a truly top class midfielder soon. Spurs would love to have him.
His box-to-box energy and all-round influence sees him edge Gini Wijnaldum, who must start impacting on more matches away from Anfield.
No.10: Christian Eriksen
A wonderful player who remains criminally underrated by some, Christian Eriksen is the man who makes Spurs tick, with his invention and subtlety the perfect foil for his side’s more industrious midfielders.
No Premier league player has more assists since the start of the 2015/16 campaign, which justifies his inclusion to perfection.
Right Forward: Mohamed Salah
Sadio Mane is out injured – he would have walked into the side otherwise – so his fellow speedster Mohamed Salah slots in on the right wing.
The 25-year-old has made a wonderful start to life at Anfield, scoring eight goals in 13 appearances and scaring the life out of the opposition.
He is only going to get better.
Left Forward: Philippe Coutinho
Philippe Coutinho has been used in a more central midfield role at times by Klopp, but he is very capable of dovetailing with Eriksen in this side, and flourishing from out on the left.
The Brazilian has knuckled down after a summer of uncertainty, finding the net four times in eight games, and he is the most talented player at either club.
Having Coutinho, Salah and Eriksen means no place for Dele Alli, who can consider himself unlucky.
Striker: Harry Kane
Harry Kane is enjoying a sensational run of form, and while his world-class finishing gets so much focus, he is a complete player who is quicker, stronger and more creative than he is given credit for.
It feels a long time ago that he was being labelled a one-season wonder, and he is preferred to Roberto Firmino, despite the Brazilian’s class.
Kane has 110 goals in 176 games for Spurs, which is an incredible record.
Liverpool-Tottenham Combined XI: Lloris, Trippier, Alderweireld, Vertonghen, Moreno, Dier, Can, Eriksen, Salah, Coutinho, Kane.
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