Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur combined XI: Who makes the cut?

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Two of the Premier League’s most exciting teams take each other on at Anfield this weekend, but which stars would make up a combined XI?

Hugo Lloris

Arguably the safest spot in the whole team; Tottenham’s captain Hugo Lloris is one of the finest goalkeepers in the world, let alone the Premier League. How Liverpool, having tried various options between the sticks over the last couple of years, would love to have someone of the Frenchman’s quality at their disposal.

Kyle Walker

The Spurs man trumps his England rival, Nathaniel Clyne, at right back, having brought his game on in leaps and bounds over the last couple of seasons. Walker is another who could be talked up as one of the best around in his position, and he has been a vital part of Mauricio Pochettino’s success this season.

Tottenham’s Toby Alderweireld celebrates after the game

Toby Alderweireld

Another easy selection for Spurs, Alderweireld is many people’s choice as the Premier League’s top central defender, and the powerful Belgian boasting a superb passing range is head and shoulders above the other central defenders either side has to offer.

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Joel Matip

With Jan Vertonghen out injured, Matip secures the second centre back slot, having impressed many at Anfield with his form since moving on a free transfer from Schalke in the summer. Jurgen Klopp’s decision to go in for the Bundesliga star looks like an inspired piece of business.

James Milner reacts during the match

James Milner

Arguably if Vertonghen and Danny Rose were both fit, Tottenham would have a clean sweep in defence, but in the Englishman’s absence, James Milner comes in on the left hand side of defence. The versatile 31-year-old has been superb for Liverpool despite limited experience operating at left fullback, while his reliability from the spot has seen him net an impressive six times this season.

Mousa Dembele

Things get much more complicated in midfield, where supporters of both clubs are likely to be able to argue for a number of players who are edged out of this XI. Moussa Dembele takes the defensive midfield spot ahead of teammate Victor Wanyama and Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson, with his power and skill making an impression on more than one occasion in past games between the two teams.

Liverpool’s Adam Lallana in action with Hull City’s Alfred N’Diaye

Adam Lallana

The former England man has been one of the shining lights of the Liverpool team this season, playing his best football since his big money move from the South Coast. With seven goals and seven assists, he would just edge out Christian Eriksen, who has five goals and eight assists to his name, despite having played a game more.

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Sadio Mane

Another of Liverpool’s devastating attacking weapons, the Senegal international’s pace and goalscoring threat have been expertly deployed by Klopp since he arrived in the summer. Mane also offers plenty of pressure on the opposition in their own third, a defining characteristic of both the Reds and their opponents on Saturday.

Tottenham’s Dele Alli in action with Middlesbrough’s Bernardo Espinosa

Dele Alli

The 20-year-old is undoubtedly the wonderkid of the Premier League, and goes into the crunch match at Anfield newly crowned as Player of the Month. Alli has proven already in 2017 that he can impact top of the table clashes, scoring a brace in the 2-0 win over Chelsea and netting as Spurs came back to draw away to Manchester City.

Philippe Coutinho

The Brazilian hasn’t quite been able to rediscover the form he exhibited before his ankle injury at the end of last year, but make no mistake about it, Coutinho is one of the most exciting players in the Premier League. Could Saturday be the day when he returns to form?

Harry Kane

Tottenham’s talisman is selected ahead of Roberto Firmino, with the England international’s goal threat and ability to make the difference integral to Mauricio Pochettino’s side. Will he have a say in this weekend’s match?