Liverpool vs Manchester City: Combined XI

Midfield

Premier League's MVP

Defensive midfield: Fernandinho (Manchester City)

The Brazilian's importance to this Manchester City side often goes unnoticed owing to the exploits of the attackers. But his ability to shield his defence and do all the dirty work has been immense to City's cause this season.

Fernandinho has also chipped in with two goals and three assists this season, growing each week as a midfielder. With Jordan Henderson out injured and Emre Can not being assured in this position, picking Fernandinho was an easy choice.

Centre midfield: Kevin De Bruyne (Manchester City)

Keeping KDB out of this combined lineup or for that matter, any combined eleven in the world, on current form, would be a crime. He has been that good from a deeper midfield position. With six goals and nine assists, De Bruyne is currently leading the race to win the player of the year award.

De Bruyne has been his side's most consistent player, be it creating chances or setting the tempo of the game with his short passes or his defence-splitting through balls. He epitomizes Pep Guardiola's vision on the field.

Centre midfield: David Silva (Manchester City)

The Spaniard may have missed a few matches recently due to his son's delicate health condition but Silva is expected to be in the starting XI on Sunday. Like KDB, Silva has put in some great shifts in midfield and has looked as sharp as he ever was.

If Coutinho had been a Liverpool player for this match then Silva would not have been a part of this lineup. But when compared to the likes of Adam Lallana, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Gini Wijnaldum, Silva beats them fair and square to this spot.