EPL 2016/17: Everton and Liverpool Combined XI
The 227th Merseyside derby will be played out at the Goodison Park tonight with a lot more than just bragging rights on the line. Liverpool against Everton is always a big fixture considering the rich history that this game revolves around.
The match is much anticipated as it is Ronald Koeman's first taste of the derby, which is a huge part of Everton fans, while Jurgen Klopp will set foot for the first time at Goodison Park, which is one of the most intimidating places to play as an opposition in England.
Both sides have had differing starts to the season as the Reds are fighting it out for the title, whereas Everton, would aim to climb into the European spots. The Toffees will miss Phil Jagielka through suspension and Yannick Bolasie to a long term injury. Liverpool on the other hand, are still without Philippe Coutinho in their ranks while Joel Matip is still a doubt for the derby.
Let's take a look at the combined lineup from both the sides and find out how a creme of these two teams form a formidable force:
Goalkeeper – Maarten Stekelenburg
Deciding a custodian between these two sides is a scenario of selecting the best of the worst, and Dutchman Maarten Stekelenburg just about edges it over the Reds' two keepers. Jurgen Klopp does not seem to be sure about both his goalkeepers which was evident from the whole Loris Karius fiasco. Simon Mignolet has been a true professional amidst all this and done well in the last game but Stekelenburg gets the nod ahead with his settled look to his play and his decent shot stopping.
Right back – Seamus Coleman
The right back position is the toughest to decide as it features two of the best full-backs in the league in the form of Seamus Coleman and Nathaniel Clyne. Both are similar in their gameplay in terms of work rate and defensive solidity. Coleman has three goals this season, which includes last game's winner against Arsenal, and it is this very facet that lands him a place in the combined XI over the Liverpool man.
Centre back – Dejan Lovren
The Croatian has improved leaps and bounds under Jurgen Klopp's management and has formed a decent pairing with Joel Matip. He has played well in big games this season and has handled towering strikers like Victor Anichebe and Zlatan Ibrahimovic well. He will be up against Romelu Lukaku tonight and is expected to give the Belgian minimal space to wreck havoc and is an obvious upgrade over the likes of Funes Mori and Phil Jagielka.
Centre back – Ashley Williams
After an impressive Euro 2016, the strong central defender has continued his good form and done extremely well for his new club. There are not many clubs in the Premier League where the Welshman wouldn’t find a place in the starting lineup, as the centre-back brings in vast experience and leadership to the Toffees this campaign.
Left back – James Milner
Leighton Baines has not put a foot wrong this season but the boyhood Everton fan comes second when compared to Milner who has been a colossal figure for the Reds. Adjusting to the team's demand, Milner has effortlessly slipped into the full-back role with ease and has done complete justice to it. He puts in a great shift week in, week out and has also scored each penalty that Liverpool have received this season.
Centre midfield – Idrissa Gueye
One of the buys of the summer, the signing from Aston Villa has worked wonders for Everton as his presence in the centre of the park has been nothing short of inspiring for the Toffees. Gueye's work rate has often been compared to N'Golo Kante’s, which is a big compliment considering the Frenchman's importance to Leicester last season and for Chelsea currently.
Gueye’s ball retention ability and interceptions have been outstanding, and he beats the likes of Gareth Barry, Emre Can and Georginio Wijnaldum to this spot because of his excellence in shielding the back four.
Centre midfield – Jordan Henderson
The Liverpool captain is in the form of his life and there is no denying the fact that he has been the best midfielder in the Premier League this season, stats wise. He has run the most miles, attempted and completed the most passes, has the most interceptions in the league, which automatically guarantees him a spot in any combined team on current form. Henderson has dictated the Reds' tempo and is now doing justice to the prestigious armband that has been entrusted to him.
Left wing – Adam Lallana
The former Southampton talisman has become the player that makes Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool tick. With six goals and six assists to his name, Liverpool's progress under the German manager can be credited to the rise of the English trickster. The 26-year-old’s positioning has been immaculate and always seem to be in the right position at the right time.
Right wing – Sadio Mane
The summer signing has been sensational right from day one when he tormented Arsenal on the opening day of the season. Since then, Mane has gone on to become Liverpool's top scorer as his pace, eye for goal and work rate has been phenomenal. A typical Jurgen Klopp player, Mane beats the likes of Kevin Mirallas and Gerrard Deulofeu in this lineup.
Striker – Romelu Lukaku
Lukaku offers a focal point to Everton's attack which any of Liverpool's forwards fail to provide. The Belgian has been an imposing figure at the top for Ronald Koeman's side as his side sit ninth in the league table. Inconsistency has been the former Chelsea player’s biggest drawback but Lukaku has done well against Liverpool in the past and is Everton's best hope of finally registering a win against Liverpool after ten long years.
Striker – Divock Origi
Origi is another young Belgian forward who is starting to make his presence felt for the Reds. The 21-year-old has scored five goals in his last five appearances and also scored in their last meeting with Everton which Liverpool won 4-0.
Origi, like any other Liverpool player under Klopp, displays immense work rate and has been involved in many goals since his signing for the Reds. His runs behind the opposition back line and his ability to stretch defences is the difference between him and Daniel Sturridge, who is yet again struggling for fitness and his future in the club is uncertain.