Combined XI: Liverpool v Manchester City (Premier League era)

Ahead of Liverpool’s mouth-watering encounter with Manchester City, we have assembled an all-time Premier League combined XI featuring players from two of English football's powerhouses.

We’ve witnessed some titanic title battles between the two sides over recent years and the duo will lock horns again in what’s shaping up to be a fascinating Premier League campaign.

With an array of talented individuals to sift through from the last 30 years, there's always going to be some notable omissions.

The below XI lines up in a 4-2-2-2 formation.

GK - Alisson

Hailed as one of the greatest goalkeepers in the world, Alisson has been heavily influential in restoring Liverpool among Europe’s elite.

Winner of the Premier League and Champions League during his time on Merseyside, the Brazilian is widely recognised for his impressive shot-stopping, distribution and ability in one-on-one situations.

Prominent in Liverpool’s success, Alisson has also made his presence known when the Reds have struggled and he was top of the goals prevented table when they finished fifth in the 2022/23 Premier League.

RB - Kyle Walker

Under the tutelage of Pep Guardiola, Kyle Walker has evolved into one of the Premier League’s most complete full-backs.

Into his eighth season at Manchester City and with 79 England caps, the 34-year-old has demonstrated he can nullify some of the best wingers in the world during his time at the Etihad.

Walker’s electrifying speed has proven to be an incredibly valuable commodity, getting both club and country out of trouble on multiple occasions.

CB - Vincent Kompany

A colossal centre-half who was the cornerstone of Manchester City’s development into a European powerhouse.

Frequent injuries were of his detriment but on his day, Vincent Kompany was impenetrable. A domineering defender, it’s come as little surprise to see the Belgian become a manager with the leadership qualities he demonstrated on the pitch. 

Kompany was also capable of the odd match-winning moment. Who could forget that howitzer of a shot against Leicester City, a pivotal moment in the 2018/19 title race.

CB - Virgil van Dijk

Critics were circling over the performances of Virgil Van Dijk but the Netherlands international has reminded everyone why he is one of the world’s best in the previous two seasons.

His £75m capture in 2018 marked a turning point in Liverpool’s fortunes, with the 33-year-old marshalling the Reds to a Champions League and Premier League title.

Getting the better of some of Europe's most formidable strikers, Van Dijk’s greatest strength is his exceptional positioning, giving him the upper hand in any ground or aerial duel.

LB - Andy Robertson

In a time where lavish and extortionate transfer fees are chucked around for players, Andy Robertson’s £8m capture from Hull City resembles excellent business.

An influential figure in Liverpool’s recent successes, the Scotsman had consistently operated at a high level under Jurgen Klopp and established himself as one of the Premier League’s most productive full-backs, with no defender registering more assists than Robertson.

CM - Steven Gerrard

A generational talent who, despite his incredible accomplishments, still remains to be a divisive character for some.

The all-action midfielder inspired Liverpool to their 2005 Champions League success and with a cup pedigree that was unparalleled, Gerrard's failure to win the Premier League is the sole factor that blights an otherwise glittering club career.

He was once lauded by Zinedine Zidane as the greatest player in the world; who is to argue with Zizou?

CM - Kevin De Bruyne

The midfield maestro who can spot a needle in a haystack from 50 yards away.

It’s reached a stage where even the extraordinary has become the norm for Kevin De Bruyne and the Belgian ace demonstrated how he can dictate proceedings on the biggest of occasions during Man City’s treble quest in 2023.

His genius should be celebrated and De Bruyne’s status as one of the Premier League’s best midfielders - if not the best - is already cemented.

RW - Mohamed Salah

Similarly to De Bruyne, very few envisioned the success Mo Salah would enjoy in the Premier League following his futile spell with Chelsea.

Returning over 150 goals in the Premier League for Liverpool, Salah’s consistent productivity in front of goal has been remarkable.

One of Europe's most feared forwards, the Egyptian's frightening acceleration, delightful control and clinical finishing make for one formidable package.

LW - David Silva

El Mago by name, a magician by nature.

A key orchestrator in Man City’s ascension to Europe’s elite, the Arguineguín wizard graced the Premier League with his poise and intelligence for a decade.

With the unerring ability to operate between the lines and dissect defences with his precision, David Silva racked up 121 assists during his time in Manchester, a tally only bettered by De Bruyne in the club’s history.

ST - Luis Suarez

Controversy arguably overshadowed the phenomenon that was Luis Suarez in a Liverpool shirt; the Uruguayan was a genius.

The fact that, after a three-and-a-half year spell, he is revered in the same light as Liverpool legends of the great past tells you everything about the lasting impression he made at Anfield.

The 2013/14 campaign will be etched in history as one of the greatest individual seasons in the Premier League. He scored 33 goals in 31 games, including his customary rout of Norwich City, as he carried Liverpool to the brink of the title.

ST - Erling Haaland

The romantic leans towards Sergio Aguero but it would be incomprehensible to omit a player that has shattered Premier League records since his arrival.

The missing piece of Guardiola’s Champions League jigsaw, Erling Haaland was the decisive factor in Man City winning the treble and the Norwegian continued his goalscoring exploits by winning the Golden Boot for a second consecutive season.

Should Haaland go on to enjoy the same longevity as Aguero at the Etihad, there’s every chance he will have Alan Shearer sweating over his all-time Premier League goal record.