It's Liverpool against Manchester City on New Year's Eve and this game has all the features of being a classic. Both the teams are fighting hard to catch Chelsea and are undoubtedly contenders for the league title.
Both have some big names in their line-ups but the prime focus will be on the two managers as Jurgen Klopp faces Pep Guardiola for the first time in England. The duo had an exciting rivalry in Germany. Their head to head record is tied at the moment with both the bosses having four wins each.
Also read: Liverpool vs Manchester City -- the fans' view
Klopp's 'Gegenpress' will face off against Pep's 'Tiki Taka' as the two ideologies will be on show for the first time together in the Premier League. This match has all the ingredients to be the match of the season and there is a lot on the line for both the teams.
Manchester City will be buoyed by the return of Sergio Aguero as he completes his ban whereas Liverpool will be without Philippe Coutinho and Joel Matip. City will also miss the duo of John Stones and Leroy Sane for the clash at Anfield. Let's take a look at the combined lineup from both the sides based completely on current form and fitness:
Goalkeeper - Simon Mignolet
To choose between Simon Mignolet and Claudio Bravo is like choosing a gun or a knife to kill yourself with. The two goalkeepers are that much of a liability to their side though Mignolet has looked more assured recently after he replaced Loris Karius last month.
Bravo has made life difficult for himself since his move from FC Barcelona and lacks confidence at the moment and hence the Belgian gets the nod.
Defenders
Right back - Nathaniel Clyne
Clyne has been a prominent figure for the Reds since his arrival from Southampton and has gone on to play every minute of the Premier League this season. City, on the other hand, have tried Bacary Sagna and Pablo Zabaleta at right back but Pep still has reservations with regards to the backline. Clyne is an obvious upgrade on his City counterparts and is arguably the best right back in the league.
Centre back - Nicolas Otamendi
Pep has tried and tested many options in his back five but one player has remained consistent, the Argentine, Otamendi. The centre-back had a torrid first season and always seemed to be error prone but has improved his positional sense and has adapted to the manager's demands.
He gets his place in this lineup as Joel Matip misses out with an ankle injury.
Centre back - Dejan Lovren
Lovren, just like Otamendi, was criticised for his huge transfer fee and for not being able to justify that on the field. He is a player who has revived his Liverpool career under Klopp. The Croatian has handled oppositions decently this season and has always played well in the big games. He will be up against Sergio Aguero and has his task cut out.
Left back - Gael Clichy
James Milner has been brilliant in his new position and looks like he has played in that position since his Leeds days. But Clichy, who often goes under the radar, is a crucial cog in City's team. He is an underrated player but is starting to repay Guardiola's faith in him. Milner would struggle against the pace of Raheem Sterling or Jesus Navas and with Clichy being defensively more equipped, he gets the place just ahead of the veteran Milner.
Midfielders
Defensive midfielder - Jordan Henderson
The Liverpool captain has grown in stature and is currently playing his best football in a red shirt. Everyone had doubted his ability to play as a holding midfielder but he has proved his detractors wrong. He is inarguably the best midfielder in England stats wise as he has the most passes, most forward passes and most attempted long balls in Europe this season.
Left wing - Kevin De Bruyne
The Belgian has been sensational for City and it was his presence that got City through the last few games. De Bruyne is an intelligent player and will be relishing playing against a susceptible Liverpool defence.
Though Roberto Firmino has been immense for the Reds, he just misses out to de Bruyne with the Belgian leading the Brazilian in both the goals and assists department.
Centre midfield - Adam Lallana
Lallana's form is a testament to Klopp's work at Liverpool and the Englishman is playing some of his best football this season. He has been absolutely brilliant for the Reds and has now included goals in his locker which he lacked in his previous years.
His presence gives Liverpool an extra dimension going forward and though he may not get the attention of the Coutinhos and De Bruynes, Lallana is slowly proving to be his side's most valuable player.
Centre midfield - David Silva
Guardiola has often spoken highly of the Spanish maestro as his presence has always been huge for City since his arrival. He dictates the play like no other in the league and when on song, Silva produces moments of magic consistently. The Spaniard has been decent enough for the Citizens this term and edges out Georginio Wijnaldum in this lineup.
Right wing - Sadio Mane
The Senegalese forward has been absolutely gobsmacking for the Reds and is their top scorer this season with eight goals. His directness and selfless play has been appreciated and he is turning out to be the perfect Klopp player. If Liverpool manage to win a trophy this year, Sadio Mane will probably be termed as the signing of the summer.
Attack
Striker - Sergio Aguero
Form goes out of the window when we talk about the best striker in the Premier League. Aguero is back and will be back on the scoresheet soon to give Diego Costa and Alexis Sanchez a run for their money.
He has a good record against Liverpool and will be out to prove himself and silence the raucous Anfield crowd. He edges out Liverpool's Divock Origi, who is set to start tonight keeping Daniel Sturridge on the bench, despite his important cameo in the Merseyside derby.
