No Alexander-Arnold as Man City edge Liverpool 6-5 in combined XI

Last season's Premier League title contenders clash this afternoon in a meeting that could prove decisive come May. While the 2020/21 season remains in its infancy, Liverpool are joint-top of the Premier League, level on 16 points with Southampton, five clear of Manchester City, who'll seek to maximise home advantage to close that gap today. 

Using our unique rating system, WhoScored have come up with an ultimate combined XI ahead of the tantalising clash at the Etihad Stadium, of those to have made five or more league and European appearances, and excluding those injured or suspended players. 

Between the sticks is as good a place as any to start and it's the battle of the Brazilian goalkeepers. Alisson (6.93) easily beats Ederson (6.31) in that regard. The Liverpool shotstopper is Brazil's number one and gets the better of his Manchester City counterpart in this XI. 

At right-back, in the clash of the England internationals, Kyle Walker (7.00) edges out compatriot Trent Alexander-Arnold (6.98), while there is no place for Andy Robertson (6.83) as he misses out to Joao Cancelo (7.22). 

At the heart of the defence, Joe Gomez (6.98) prevents it from being a Manchester City clean sweep as the Liverpool man partners big money summer arrival Ruben Dias (6.92). It's a City duo who feature in the middle of the park as Rodri (6.95) joins creative machine Kevin De Bruyne (7.63). 

Gomez ensured it wasn't a City walkover in defence and it's a former Liverpool man who denies the Reds all four attacking spots. Raheem Sterling (7.33) features on the right flank in this XI, while on the opposite flank, Sadio Mane (7.65) makes the XI as the best rated player from the two sides. 

Mohamed Salah (7.63) has been in superb form for the Reds having had a direct hand in 10 goals in 10 league and European outings, scoring nine times, to feature on the frontline. New teammate Diogo Jota (7.33) rounds off this combined XI. The former Wolves man has made a superb impact in a Liverpool shirt, scoring seven goals in eight league and Champions League appearances, including a hat-trick at Atalanta in midweek. 

A run of six goals in four outings has seen Jota rise to become a fan favourite on Merseyside and he'll endear himself to the Liverpool faithful further if he can continue that run at the Etihad Stadium this evening.