Liverpool vs Manchester City - Combined XI

CDM: Fernandinho

City's Brazilian anchorman

There were definitely some doubts about the Brazilian going into this season, especially about his age, but his performances have silenced his critics.

Fernandinho is the midfield pivot that allows his colleagues to work their magic higher up the pitch. His work rate is tremendous, he's made the second most number of passes in the league after Otamendi, and he provides the link between defence and midfield that is so crucial for City's well-oiled machine to work.

And he's got a wicked shot as well. His shooting is one quality that hasn't been talked about enough, and he's scored a couple of long range beauties for City this season.

CM: Kevin De Bruyne

Easily City's best player this season

Of course, he's there in this XI.

De Bruyne's qualities and performances this season have been analysed and praised at length this season, and he deserves every single plaudit that he's received. His transition from attacking midfielder to central midfielder has been seamless and spectacularly successful.

With 7 goals and 15 assists already in the Premier League, De Bruyne is making a very strong case for the PFA Player of the Year award. He'll be City's most important player on Wednesday, and a lot will hinge on the kind of performance he puts in.

CM: David Silva

A criminally under-rated midfielder

No reason to break up City's midfield trio. Liverpool have a few good players here in Can and Wijnaldum, but its a testament to the Citizens' incredible array of options in midfield that 32-year old David Silva is still miles ahead of them.

The ageless Spaniard has 8 goals and 11 assists in spite of playing in 5 games lesser than De Bruyne. He's still a first choice midfielder for Spain in spite of them having several younger options like Thiago, Saul, Koke and Isco, and that's saying something.

Keeping Silva and De Bruyne in check will be a humongous task for Klopp, and it could very well end up deciding the final outcome.