The day of the Merseyside derby is always one of the busiest days of the year here in the Football Transfer Tavern, with both sets of fans filling in to support their respective side.
No other derby in England has the passion or history associated with the hotly contested Merseyside derby, with games between the pair always competitive and important in the context of the season.
The 2016/17 games will be no different – they are shaping up to be exciting and very busy nights here in the Tavern.
Particularly interesting this season is the position that both sides find themselves in; both under relatively new managership, they are both keen to develop as a team and push for European finishes in the Premier League.
Both sides posses some real quality up and down the pitch; with both sets of fans arguing that they have the better side.
Both sides are good; but who would actually get into a combined XI between the pair?
This is sure to create some arguments here in the Tavern, but this is the ULTIMATE 2016/17 Liverpool and Everton Combined XI – do you agree?
Let us know!
GK – Loris Karius
Whilst we have only seen a little bit of Karius, he looks the complete package.
He has quality and experience beyond his tender years; and whilst he is up against the experienced Stekelenburg; we think he still takes the number 1 shirt in this team.
Expecting a big year from Karius up ahead in Liverpool red.
LB – Leighton Baines
Liverpool fans here in the Football Transfer Tavern have made no secret of their distain for their current left back; and so this is an easy pick.
Despite suffering with a few injuries in recent years, on his best form Leighton Baines is one of the best left backs in the Premier League; and we’re backing him for a successful injury-free season next year.
CB – Joel Matip
We haven’t seen much of Joel Matip in a Liverpool shirt, but judging by his past experience – he looks likes the real deal.
The towering defender is exactly what Liverpool have needed in the middle of their defence going forward; especially with set pieces such a weak spot for the merseyside club.
Strength and height; the perfect central defender.
CB – Ashley Williams
Everton’s newest central defender finds his way into a combined XI, and he might just find himself as the team’s captain too!
The Toffees here in the Football Transfer Tavern were delighted when the deal was finally confirmed, and it is easy to see why.
A commanding defender; he is the perfect man to marshall this backline.
RB – Seamus Coleman
This is the toughest spot so far, as Nathaniel Clyne has earned a lot of plaudits here in the Football Transfer Tavern in recent years – but Seamus Coleman is probably the best right back in the Premier League.
He is an absolute rock at the back, and is a decent threat going forward; he really is the complete package.
CM – Emre Can
Emre Can has proven himself to be quite the workhorse in the middle of the Liverpool midfield, and his versatility is what makes him an easy choice for this XI.
Able to play anywhere across the pitch, he is the perfect utility player – and in his preferred central midfield position he has really found his form over the last 6 months.
Expect him to get better under Klopp.
CM – Jordan Henderson
Jordan Henderson has been the subject of a host of criticism from a host of punters here in the Football Transfer Tavern, including Liverpool fans – but we think there is definitely talent in there.
He has been out of form in recent months, and injuries interrupted the tail end of his season – but with a good pre-season behind him, we’re backing him to improve this season.
He is a decent all round midfield, offering a threat going forward and defensively; and lets not forget his leadership skills. He can do a job in there.
LAM – Sadio Mane
Liverpool’s most high profile signing this summer, Sadio Mane has hit the ground running the season and we’re backing him to be a real hit next season.
His electric pace is his biggest asset, and he can leave defenders in his wake whilst dribbling towards goal.
An easy choice, and we think he’s a shoe in as a Player of the Season shout this season.
CAM – Ross Barkley
This coming season is going to be make or break for Ross Barkley.
He has shown his brilliance in parts, but thus far he has failed to live up to the hype that has been placed on his shoulders in recent years.
With John Stones having left Everton, Barkley now finds himself as the marquee name in the Everton side; and he needs to take that as motivation to kick on next season.
RAM – Philipe Coutinho
Forced slightly out of position by Ross Barkley, Philipe Coutinho is a shoe in for this XI.
One of the most creative midfielder’s in the Premier League, he can play anywhere across the front three and provide a devastating threat to opposing defenders.
Expecting more of the same next season; assists and excellent long ranged goals are such an impressive part of his game.
FWD – Romelu Lukaku
Despite interest from a host of top European clubs this summer, Everton seem determined to hold onto Romelu Lukaku this summer.
The prolific front man has scored for fun during his time with Everton, and whilst not the most technically gifted footballer – he always manages to find the net.
Everton’s best piece of business this summer has been to hold onto Lukaku so far; and much to the anger of Chelsea fans here in the Football Transfer Tavern we think he should definitely stay put.
