Ahead of Sunday’s Merseyside derby at Anfield we thought we’d have a little look at a combined Liverpool and Everton XI.
GK: Reina
The Spaniard has been in improved form this season of late and just tips Howard.
RB: Johnson
Johnson started the season well, has been less impressive of late but Everton have struggled with a regular right back. Although, Seamus Coleman has been performing well there of late.
LB: Baines
A no-brainer this really. He’s probably the best left-back in the League never mind this imaginary eleven.
CBs: Jagielka and Agger
One from each side of Stanley Park; would make a good pairing together.
DM: Lucas
Starting to return to form and just edges Gibson here.
CM: Fellaini and Gerrard
Fellaini may be a dirty t**t but he certainly causes problems for teams and his aerial presence is something that Liverpool could do with in their side. Gerrard is a no-brainer, despite his best being behind him he is still a step above Osman or.. err.. Hitzlsperger!
AM: Coutinho
Let the little magician play in a free role behind the front two in a diamond midfield but drift out wide when needed. Most of the width here would come from the attacking full backs anyway.
FWD: Suarez and Sturridge
Almost went with Suarez up front on his own, and then brining Pienaar in as a wide midfielder but decided that Coutinho is better centrally and the two front men could drift wide to allow Fellaini, Coutinho and Gerrard to profit from deep.
Subs: Howard, Coleman, Carragher, Pienaar, Gibson, Mirallas, Borini.
Not really many attacking options from either side in all honesty. Borini gets the nod over the woeful Jelavic, although there is a good case to be argued for Anichebe. Carragher gets a place ahead of Distin, just. Pienaar and Mirallas can offer some width if needed.
Agree? Disagree? Let us know your XI below.
