The combined XI: A sure-fire way to have sets of opposition fans fighting to the death about how their team is grossly under-represented.
Arsenal and Liverpool fans are the two most active set of fans on social media in the Premier League, so comparisons are always made between the two clubs’ players. Let’s add some more fuel to the fire and give you the correct combined XI.
GK: Petr Cech
This is a pretty easy one. I’m surprised Liverpool didn’t seek to improve their goalkeeping situation this summer – no, Adam Bogdan doesn’t count – and it’s pretty obvious that Petr Cech is just streets ahead of Simon Mignolet.
RB: Nathaniel Clyne
I love Hector Bellerin. He has the potential to become one of the best right-backs in the world. He arguably had a better second half of the season than the Liverpool man, but Clyne’s experience and consistency over the past few years gives him the nod here. One day Hector will surpass him, one day…
CB: Laurent Koscielny
Laurent Koscielny is a top-three defender in the Premier League for me and walks into any team in the country. Too quick, too strong, too good.
CB: Martin Skrtel
The second centre-back slot was a lot tougher. I was tempted to go with Per Mertesacker as I’m a big fan of the partnership with Koscielny, but in isolation Martin Skrtel is probably Liverpool’s best defender and better than the big German.
LB: Nacho Monreal
Another relatively easy one. Liverpool have been playing Joe Gomez at left-back recently, and as promising as he looks, he’s not on Monreal’s level, nor is he actually a left back. Monreal is one of the most consistent performers in the Arsenal side and one of the first names on the team sheet. He is streets ahead of anything Liverpool have to offer here.
CM: Aaron Ramsey
Aaron Ramsey walks into this side. Think Jordan Henderson, but with an eye for goal and better technique. Henderson might be more defensively sound, but this team won’t actually play a game so who cares about balance?
CM: Santi Cazorla
I’m not actually the biggest fan of Cazorla deep, but it’s a whole lot better than anything Liverpool have to offer with Steven Gerrard, Xabi Alonso and Javier Mascherano no longer part of the fold. Intelligent, great with either foot and a consistent scorer, Cazorla makes any team better.
RW: Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain
This would have been Raheem Sterling, but he swapped Anfield for the Etihad earlier this summer so Oxlade-Chamberlain gets the nod. He’s started well this season and if he stays fit, I’m sure he’ll be in the running for Young Player of the Year.
CAM: Mesut Ozil
This one goes without saying. Mesut Ozil is one of the best #10s in the world. Don’t even suggest anyone else.
LW: Alexis Sanchez
Alexis Sanchez turned down Liverpool for Arsenal, and in our combined XI he plays on the left. There’s not really a debate to be had here.
ST: Daniel Sturridge
Sturridge has almost become a bit of a forgotten man. On his day he’s unplayable and has all of the attributes of a top striker and can finish in many different ways. Pace, power, trickery, Sturridge has it all. If he stays fit Liverpool have an outside shot at the top four.
So there you go. Hit us with your thoughts. Warning: We won’t lose sleep over them.
