The first ‘clash of the titans’ for the new Barclays Premier League season takes place this Sunday and it promises to be a good contest.
With Arsene’s Arsenal side still without a prolific goal scorer and with Klopp’s overhaul at Liverpool, it’ll be interesting to see how each side fares.
The big game has taken over the Tavern this week which has been rife with speculation for the new season and this big game. With this in mind, we discussed what the strongest starting XI would be for the two sides, and strong it certainly is.
Petr Cech
The experienced shot stopper is no doubt one of the best in the league and deserves his spot as the no. 1 of this combined XI.
Cech kept 16 clean sheets in his first season with the Gunners and will no doubt be looking to build on this with the coming season.
Nathaniel Clyne
The Liverpool and England right-back had a strong season with the reds last year and has also been consistent for England too.
His strong defensive work rate and good attacking play will be key this weekend and throughout the coming season.
Calum Chambers
Due to a mass amount of defensive injuries for Arsenal as the season begins it’s likely for Chambers to start on the weekend.
The Englishman is a solid centre-back and has had reasonable experience with the Gunners and will certainly put in a shift this weekend.
Dejan Lovren
Another team who struggles with their defence is Liverpool, however Lovren is steadily stamping his authority on a starting centre-back position.
His strength and ability in the air certainly buys him a place in this combined XI.
Nacho Monreal
The Arsenal left-back pinned down the starting position last season and made 37 appearances for the Gunners.
His defensive work rate is something that has certainly shone within the Arsenal side and also what has bought him a spot in this team.
Francis Coquelin
The Frenchman has provided strength to Arsenal’s central defensive position and will no doubt grow further with the Arsenal team.
Emre Can
The German international has been strong for both club and country and similar to Coquelin will only get better as he gets more comfortable and more game time.
He also bagged himself a goal in his 30 appearances last season and will likely find the net again as his confidence grows.
Theo Walcott
Theo has had a mixed time with Arsenal as of late with a lot of expectation being placed on the winger. With current injuries throughout the squad including Mesut Ozil and Olivier Giroud, Theo is likely to start on Sunday.
However with his bags of pace and decent finishing, he’s still certainly a threat.
Philippe Coutinho
The Brazilian play maker is without a doubt Liverpool’s best player and brings a lot to the game.
His vision, great passing and killer finish is threatening to every team and reason enough for him to be included in this XI.
Alexis Sanchez
The Chilean forward was one of many highlights for Arsenal’s superb midfield last season, bagging 13 goals in 30 appearances.
He’ll be Arsenal’s key man this weekend and throughout the rest of the season.
Roberto Firmino
With both sides lacking a prolific goal scorer or a fully fit striker, Firmino will most likely play up top for Liverpool and takes the spot in this team as well.
The Brazilian has a lot of potential as well as bags of talent and ability on the ball. His dribbling and control is something that is lethal against many opposition teams.
So, what do you think of our combined Arsenal and Liverpool XI for this weekend? Who would you pick instead?
