With the Merseyside Derby this weekend, lets take a look at the best XI the two clubs divided by Stanley Park can put together:
Formation : 4-2-3-1
Tim Howard
The American goal-keeper is the outright winner in the battle between him and Liverpool’s Belgian shot-stopper Simon Mignolet. While both goal-keepers have had unstable starts to the season, to say the least, Howard’s reputation as one of the most consistent keepers in the league puts him ahead of Mignolet.
Seamus Coleman
The Republic of Ireland international owns the right back slot in the Merseyside XI. With Glen Johnson’s form not getting any better and young Javier Manquillo still finding his way in English football, Coleman – one of the best right backs in the league steals the right-back spot.
Dejan Lovren
Both the Merseyside’ defences have been heavily criticised over the start of the campaign, Lovren seems to be the better choice compared to the other centre-backs. The Croatian international is the perfect modern centre-back.
Martin Skrtel
The Slovakian centre-half is one of the highest scoring defenders in the league. Strong in the air and uncompromising in a tackle – Skrtel is a Premier League hardman who finds the net often.
Leighton Baines
Baines is one of the most consistent full-backs in the league. While young Alberto Moreno has made a bright start to his Anfield career, its still early days to put the pacey left back ahead of Baines – an established England international.
Jordan Henderson
The 24 year old midfielder has grown into one of the most complete midfielders in the country. A box-to-box midfielder with a robust and tireless engine – Henderson has added the ability to play the killer pass to his game. Recently being handed vice-captaincy by Brendan Rodgers, Henderson is one of the best midfielders on Merseyside.
Gareth Barry
The reason Gareth Barry makes the team ahead of Liverpool skipper Steven Gerrard and Lucas Leiva is the fact that Barry is the archetypical defensive midfielder who sits in front of the back-four and breaks up play consistently. Barry may not possess the passing range of Gerrard but defensively, Barry is more accomplished than the former England skipper.
Raheem Sterling
The 19-year old flying winger is the heart-beat of the Liverpool side. At just 19, Sterling is the man Brendan Rodgers looks at when he requires a goal. Having added goals to his game too, Sterling is a versatile attacker who just loves to score and create goals.
Steven Naismith
The Scotsman has had a splendid start to the season. Finding the net on a regular basis, Naismaith is developed into a goal scoring attacker from being just a hard-worker. At the heart of everything Everton have done right in the attacking half of the pitch, Naismith has played his way into the side.
Ross Barkley
The 20-year old Scouser caught the eye of the entire country with mesmerising dribbling skills and deadly shooting last season. Struggling with injuries as of now, the sheer potential and ability Barkley brings to a side makes him indispensable.
Daniel Sturridge
To say that the 25-year old England number 9 has been a huge miss will be an understatement. Pace and precision are tools of Sturridge’s trade. The Birmingham born striker is perfect to lead the Merseyside attack.
Substitutes: Simon Mignolet. Phil Jagielka, Alberto Moreno, Steven Gerrard, Phillipe Coutinho, Mario Balotelli, Kevin Mirallas.
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