Saturday 21 November 2015 16:47, UK
Phil Thompson has picked his best XI from Manchester City and Liverpool's sides ahead of their Saturday Night Football showdown at the Etihad Stadium.
Selecting from the players he expects to be available to the respective managers, the Anfield legend and Soccer Saturday pundit has gone for six City players, but has opted for James Milner ahead of Kevin De Bruyne.
Thommo has also gone with Fernando instead of more adventurous alternatives, while David Silva misses out as he does not expect the Spaniard to be selected following an ankle injury.
He does, however, believe Manuel Pellegrini will recall Sergio Aguero following his latest lay-off, with the striker set to be available after overcoming a hamstring problem that has sidelined him since the start of October.
Here's Thommo's best XI and his explanation…
It's a big gamble to put Aguero straight back in with his hamstring problems but, given the magnitude of the game and Wilfried Bony's injury, you'd image it is one that Pellegrini will take.
I considered going with Aguero and Christian Benteke up front because they'd be a real handful for any defence with that pace and power, but given both sides will probably go with a 4-2-3-1 I've followed that system.
A lot of people will be questioning having Milner in there ahead of De Bruyne on the right but, in a toss-up between the two, I've gone with Milner as I think he'll really relish this game and make a big impact.
On the left I've got Raheem Sterling, while Philippe Coutinho is my creative engine. I don't think Pellegrini will risk David Silva as he has other options.
Then in central midfield I want Fernando next to Yaya Toure because he's got the discipline to just sit in there and protect the defence.
At the back I've got Nathaniel Clyne on the right then it's a debatable one of the left, with neither side particularly strong in that area. Aleksandar Kolarov just edges Alberto Moreno for me.
In the middle I would have gone with Vincent Kompany had he not been ruled out through injury. Then again Mamadou Sakho might have been in there and he's injured as well. I'll have Martin Skrtel and I like Nicolas Otamendi so I'll have him as well, then in goal it has to be Joe Hart.
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