The Reds take on Arsenal for the first time this season and it’s a game that doesn’t tend to disappoint, or not for the neutrals anyway!
I’ve selected a combined XI, if you agree or disagree please feel free to tweet your own to @ReadLiverpool!
Goalkeeper: Petr Cech
The experienced goalkeeper can offer so much to any team. Although Simon Mignolet did improve towards the latter end of last season, the Arsenal keeper is some distance ahead of the Belgian in terms of quality and on his day is unbeatable.
Right-Back: Nathaniel Clyne
A straightforward pick, Clyne’s consistency and so far impressive performances gets him in the combined XI. Both sides aren’t exactly blessed in the full-back department, but Clyne is by far the standout pick and could get into most Premier League sides.
Centre-Back: Martin Skrtel
Despite our defending being rather suspect recently, there’s no denying that Skrtel has been a vital part of Liverpool’s back line over the years. The Slovakian is probably the best defender we have and for me, edges Mertesacker for a spot in this XI.
Centre-Back: Laurent Koscielny
The Arsenal centre-back is arguably the most underrated in the Premier League; the Frenchman would add something to most teams and has been ever-present for the Gunners.
Left-Back: Joe Gomez
Picking who to play down the left in a back four wasn’t an easy decision; some may raise their eyebrows over the youngster’s inclusion here. However, he’s been solid for us and if his current form continue’s he’ll prove to be an excellent signing for Brendan Rodgers.
Defensive Midfielder: James Milner
Signing Milner on a free transfer was an absolute steal and he could get in most teams – he’d be the first on my team sheet. He doesn’t get on the scoresheet too often but his work rate is second to none in the two sides’ midfields.
Centre Midfield: Aaron Ramsey
The Welshman is an all-round midfielder, he puts a shift in for Arsene Wenger’s side and also knows where the goal is. And at the age of 24, he could one day play for one of Europe’s biggest teams.
Centre Midfield: Jordan Henderson
I couldn’t leave our skipper out and although some may see it as a controversial pick, he does a job for us. There’s no doubt that Brendan Rodgers has got the best out of him and in the same midfield as Milner and Ramsey you know that he wouldn’t let you down.
Attacking Midfield: Philippe Coutinho
The magician can change a game at any moment of the game with his class. An unknown quantity when he arrived at Anfield, the Brazilian is our best player and it wouldn’t be a team without him.
Forward: Christian Benteke
The Belgian offers the potential to mix it up for any team. On his day, Benteke can be a nightmare for defenders to deal with and he knows where the goal is! Offers more in the air than Olivier Giroud.
Forward: Alexis Sanchez
I only wished he joined Liverpool. A world-class talent and an absolute tank. To leave him out would have been daft and alongside Benteke it could be one magnificent strike force.
