UEFA Champions League 2018/19: Liverpool vs Bayern Munich - Combined XI

Right-back: Joshua Kimmich

Kimmich is unstoppable down the right flank

To ostracize a precocious talent like Trent Alexander-Arnold would seem unfair, but Kimmich has been in a league of his own. Bayern's rising star etched his name as the best young fullback last season and recommenced this term from where he left off.

He has a staggering 13 assists to his name, 10 in the league and two in Europe, as his buccaneering blazes down the flank have added an extra edge to Bayern's attack. His chronic penchant to drift ahead may sometimes leave gaps to exploit, but his positional awareness ensures he's in his expanse when the opposition is in attack.

Centre-back: Niklas Sule

Sule is the mortar to Bayern's brick wall

Germany have several new and budding talents readying to restore the fallen giants back to its former glory, and Bayern's Sule is among the cream of the crop. The 23-year old is rising in prominence at the heart of their defence with a series of impeccable performances.

He averages 2.5 clearances per game in Europe (three in Bundesliga) and another 2.5 interceptions.

Now that's a testament to his excellent vision, vigilance and ability to sniff danger. Besides, he is also tough to beat in the air and his passing is just terrific with 91.3% accuracy (93 in Bundesliga) and that helps Bayern build from the back or during counter-attacking situations.

Centre-back: Matts Hummels

Hummels loves to play in the Champions League

With Virgil van Dijk ruled out of the Anfield leg through suspension, Sule will be partnered here (and in the game) by his teammate and compatriot Hummels, who although hasn't consistently been at his best, reserved most of it for Champions League nights.

Hummels averages more than three times the tackles in this competition than in the league (3.8 to 1.1) whilst also marginally making more clearances (3 to 2.4). Heck, he scored his only goal of the season so far in the 1-1 draw to Ajax on matchday two.

His fairytale run though would be put through the wringer at Anfield.

Left-back: Andrew Robertson

Robertson is a reckoning force on the left-hand side

One of the unsung heroes of Liverpool's impressive 2017/18 season, Robertson has taken to the new campaign without any hiccups and continued in the same vein.

He has eight assists to his name, six in the Premier League and two in the Champions League, all the while dispatching his defensive duties with aplomb, averaging 2.5 tackles a game and almost two clearances in this competition.

Robertson has grown into an indispensable member of Liverpool's backline for his versatility, and would definitely do a world of good with his assistance on Tuesday night.