Ahead of Tuesday night’s much-anticipated Merseyside derby, we pick a combined XI from both sides’ first-team squads, so let us know your thoughts on the final starting XI that we have selected ….
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GK: Simon Mignolet
A real close call this one, especially given just how consistent and reliable Everton’s United States international has been during his entire career at Goodison Park.
However, it is the Belgium who just wins this particular head to head to get the nod to start in goal here.
RB: Glen Johnson
The attack-minded full back is, on his day, one of the most dangerous and technically accomplished players in his position in world football after eradicating the sloppy individual errors that used to litter his game, making the Englishman’s selection here a formality.
CB: Martin Skrtel
Imposing and lightening quick centre back who has been one of the most impressive players in his position in the whole Premier League so far in this campaign, and all this after the Slovakia international was dropped from the Liverpool starting lineup midway through the previous season.
CB: Daniel Agger
The silky smooth Dane is one of the most cultured and stylish central defenders on the Continent and would walk into most top-flight outfits’ starting XIs, as was demonstrated when both FC Barcelona and Manchester City tried to sign the player for £25m in the past.
LB: Leighton Baines
Upon agreeing his recent new four-year deal at Goodison Park, Toffees head coach Roberto Martinez described the England international as being one of the best left backs in the whole world, which is high praise indeed, but also fully deserved in his case.
CM: Steven Gerrard
The Reds skipper virtually picks himself, even as the Englishman starts to get towards the end if his illustrious playing career, although the midfielder’s set plays aloe would still earn him a place in this combined starting XI.
CM: Ross Barkley
Gerrard’s heir apparent for the Three Lions and currently one of the most exciting young players currently operating in the Premier League, with the playmaker having already caught the eye on a number of occasions in this campaign with some sensational displays in the heart of the Everton midfield.
CM: Philippe Coutinho
Diminutive Brazil playmaker is a constant source of menace and threat to the opposition with his dangerous runs and penetrating through-balls, which is why the Samba Boy has earned his call up to this team ahead of Everton’s Kevin Mirallas.
FW: Daniel Sturridge
The England attacker can both hit the back of the net with audacious efforts and create goals on a plate for team-mates too, which therefore makes the 24-year-old a constant danger to opponents and an absolute shoe-in for selection to this combined Merseyside XI.
ST: Romelu Lukaku
Powerful and muscular Belgium international who is a handful for any defenders, however, it would be a big mistake to think the attacker is simply a big target man who is only good in the air, as the player has already demonstrated on a number of occasions in his time in the Premier League.
FW: Luis Suarez
Not a particularly difficult selection, considering the world-class Uruguay international is now currently not just the best player in the Premier League, but also perhaps in the top three performers in the whole world based on his sensational form up front for the Reds so far this season.