Liverpool vs Manchester City: Combined XI

Defence

Manchester City's most assured defender this season

Right back: Kyle Walker (Manchester City)

With four assists in 20 league starts, Walker has seamlessly settled into new surroundings at the Etihad. The fullback has gone on to become an integral part of Guardiola's system and has proven to be another inspired signing.

Both of Liverpool's young right backs, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Joe Gomez have performed exceedingly well but when compared to Walker's influence on his side, both of them fail to make the cut ahead of the former Spurs man.

Centre back: Nicolas Otamendi (Manchester City)

The Argentine defender has been one of the most improved players for City this season. Otamendi leads his side with respect to the average number of interceptions and clearances per game and has effectively led City's defence in the absence of Vincent Kompany.

Otamendi's aerial threat in set pieces has resulted in a number of crucial goals for him this season which has also made him one of the best defenders in England presently.

He easily beats the likes of Joel Matip and John Stones, who have struggled with injuries in recent times, to this position.

Centre back: Virgil Van Dijk (Liverpool)

Liverpool's record signing is set to make his Premier League debut against one of the sides that were keen to take him on board. The FA Cup game against Everton reflected Van Dijk's qualities where he instantly made an impression by rallying the Reds' defence and being confident in his every move.

Just as Otamendi, Van Dijk averages more interceptions and clearances than any Liverpool player and despite not making many league appearances this season, ranks up pretty well statistically.

Liverpool's fortunes rest on Van Dijk's performance against City's attack and if he manages to keep Aguero and co. at bay on Sunday, Liverpool will feel a whole lot better about the amount that they had to pay for him.

Left back: Alberto Moreno (Liverpool)

Until the time Alberto Moreno was fit, the Spaniard was Liverpool's best player after Mohammed Salah. Now he is back in training and is in contention to start against Manchester City. Pep Guardiola's left back problems had been well documented until he found a stop-gap solution in the form of Fabian Delph.

The makeshift left-back has impressed in an uncharacteristic position but he hasn't been as impressive as Moreno in this campaign.

Defensively, the Spaniard beats Delph in clearances and successful tackles and offensively too, Moreno has attempted more dribbles and has created more chances. From a traditionally purist point of view, Moreno deserves this place ahead of Delph.