Arsenal vs Liverpool – Combined XI Featuring Stars From Both Sides
Liverpool play Arsenal in a colossal Premier League clash on Friday, as the Gunners get set to host the Reds after winning 1-0 against West Ham United in the EFL Cup quarterfinals. This will be an important match for both sides since they are in need of collecting 3 points this week. Jurgen Klopp made quite a number of changes for Liverpool’s recent 4-0 victory against Bournemouth and should be happy at the prospect of having a well-rested squad ahead of such a crucial clash.
There is merely a point separating the two clubs in the league standings and this game could be a deciding factor in who edges past whom. With that in mind, here is a combined XI of the in-form players from both teams.
Arsenal vs Liverpool Combined XI
Formation: 4-3-3
Petr Cech (GK)
Cech has been a rock for Arsenal at the back as his experience has proven to be quite influential. His reflexes seem fast enough and given his form, he makes it here ahead of Simon Mignolet.
Joe Gomez (RB)
Joe Gomez has been better than Bellerin this season and there’s nothing to argue here. Not only is he tidy in defending, Gomez is also an ever-present attacking threat on the right side and he will be needed for Liverpool against Arsenal.
Dejan Lovren (CB)
After receiving a lot of criticism, Lovren seems to have pulled up his socks. He looks a lot more solid after minimising his errors and he even scored a goal against Bournemouth.
Laurent Koscielny (CB)
Koscielny seems to be thriving in a central defensive partnership and has been quite impressive this season. Makes it to this combined XI without much fuss.
Sead Kolasinac (LB)
Kolasinac’s attacking prowess going forward and defensive solidity have proven to be quite remarkable and he has been one of the most consistent players for Arsenal this season. Also, he was rested in favour of Ainsley Maitland-Niles but against Liverpool, Wenger is likely to go back to Kolasinac.
Philippe Coutinho (CM)
Philippe Coutinho has been weaving his magic for Liverpool this season and is an automatic choice here.
Jack Wilshere (CM)
Once regarded as Arsenal’s most promising youngster, Wilshere is back in the team and he seems to have turned things around for himself, thanks to Aaron Ramsey’s injury. His creativity and impact in the midfield remain unmatched and Wenger is expected to hand him a starting spot on Friday.
Mohamed Salah (RW)
Salah has been in phenomenal form this season and it is impossible to leave the Egyptian out of this XI. He will be a decisive presence on the pitch for sure.
Sadio Mane (LW)
Mane continues to be a lethal attacking threat for the Reds on the left wing and is expected to torment the Gunners if he starts the game.
Mesut Ozil (CAM)
Ozil’s trickery is a treat to watch but he also has an innate knack for making things happen to maintain fluidity in the game. He’s in sublime form right now and it is virtually impossible to ignore him from this XI.
Alexandre Lacazette (CF)
The Frenchman continues to be a formidable presence up front and will be looking to get his name on the scoresheet against Liverpool. Makes it here ahead of Firmino and Giroud.