The FA Cup returns this weekend with Manchester City and Liverpool kickstarting the quarter finals with a mouthwatering clash at the Etihad Stadium.
The two clubs will be battling out for a semi-final place at Wembley, where Liverpool look to salvage their campaign while Man City aim to add to their Carabao Cup success.
It’s been a mixed season for both sides with big-name stars failing to scale the heights of previous seasons. So, ahead of Saturday’s game, which players make the cut in a combined XI? The stats boffins have crunched the numbers and pulled together the best of Pep Guardiola and Arne Slot’s sides.
Goalkeeper: Gianluigi Donnarumma
Sofascore rating: 7.04/10
Gianluigi Donnarumma has been fantastic between the sticks all season with 14 clean sheets across all competitions.
The Italian has endured a mixed couple of weeks, first lifting his maiden trophy as a Manchester City player, before suffering the blow of missing out on the World Cup again with Italy.
He is yet to start in the FA Cup this campaign, with Trafford likely to get the nod again this weekend following his time away with England. Donnarumma’s overall impact between the posts earns him the nod here ahead of Allison Becker in this combined XI.
Gianluigi Donnarumma has been the standout performer between the sticks this season
Right Wing Back: Dominik Szoboszlai
Sofascore rating: 7.4/10
Dominik Szoboszlai gets the nod at right-back ahead of Matheus Nunes having impressed out of position at various stages this season.
Meanwhile, Jermie Frimpong was taken off after just 13 minutes during the Netherlands’ clash on Tuesday, which only strengthens Szobszlai’s case here.
Szoboszlai has shown his versatility all season long in a deeper role, while still contributing going forward, with two goals in the FA Cup and a nous for scoring the spectacular from set-pieces.
Nunes has earned his plaudits for also adapting well to an unfavourable position, but he’s not done enough to oust the Hungarian at right wingback.
Dominik Szoboszlai has been utilised at right back and flourished for Arne Slot
Right Centre Back: Ibrahim Konate
Sofascore rating: 7.05/10
A mixed season is one way to describe Konate’s campaign. The Frenchman has fallen below the lofty standards he set himself last season – which had seen him linked with a move to Real Madrid – with the former Leipzig man faltering in costly moments for his side.
But the stats boffins have determined that he has done enough to scrape into this XI ahead of City counterparts Marc Guehi and Abdukodir Khusanov.
Centre Back: Ruben Dias
Sofascore rating: 7.15/10
Ruben Dias remains a staple at the back for Manchester City and, when fit, is one of the first names on the team sheet for Pep Guardiola.
The Portuguese defender is yet to start in the FA Cup this season, but with a huge clash against Liverpool looming, he will be recharged and ready to play a key role in City’s push towards the business end of the campaign.
He gets the nod here in this combined XI thanks to his leadership and reliability in the big moments and Guardiola will surely be counting on the defender if they’re to build on their Carabao Cup success.
Ruben Dias nails down the central centre back position having enjoyed a strong campaign
Left Centre Back: Virgil van Dijk
Sofascore rating: 7.32/10
In a campaign where Liverpool have proved leaky at the back, Virgil van Dijk is continuing to look to set the standard at the heart of defence for Arne Slot’s side.
The Dutchman has chipped in with five goals across all competitions this season, underlining his threat at both ends, and was also on the scoresheet for the Netherlands against Norway during the international break.
With silverware still up for grabs for Liverpool, could this be the perfect opportunity for Van Dijk to inspire a saved season for the Reds?
Left Wing Back: Jeremy Doku
Sofascore rating: 7.31/10
Jeremy Doku just edges his way into this combined XI in the left wing back role, providing a constant attacking threat for Manchester City this season.
The Belgian winger has impressed with his direct running and ability to stretch defences, proving a real outlet in wide areas during key moments of the campaign.
He narrowly gets the nod ahead of Nico O’Rielly, who also caught the eye and posted a solid 6.85 SofaScore rating. Despite his two goals in the Carabao Cup final last time out, Doku’s attacking impact overall just gives him the edge.
Defensive Midfield: Nico Gonzalez
Sofascore rating: 7.01/10
Gonzalez is a player who has quietly gone about his business since his £60m move from Porto, flying somewhat under the radar at Manchester City.
The Spaniard hasn’t quite grabbed the headlines in the same way as some of his teammates, but his composure on the ball and ability to keep things ticking in midfield have made him an asset in Guardiola’s system.
With the season reaching a pivotal stage, Gonzalez could yet prove to be a key figure in City’s push for more silverware.
Defensive Midfield: Ryan Gravenberch
Sofascore rating: 7.1/10
Ryan Gravenberch has established himself as an integral figure in Liverpool’s midfield since his arrival from Bayern Munich, delivering consistently high-level performances.
The Dutchman has kept team-mate Curtis Jones out of this side, underlining just how important he has become in Slot’s system. With four goals and three assists in 29 Premier League appearances, Gravenberch has added real output to his game.
Ryan Gravenberch has been one of few consistent players in Liverpool’s team this season
Attacking Midfield: Phil Foden
Sofascore rating: 6.99/10
Phil Foden earns his place in the front three for Manchester City, just edging out teammate Bernardo Silva for a spot in the combined XI.
After a bright start to the campaign, Foden has struggled to find consistency in recent weeks – with Thomas Tuchel’s comments in the international break sparking concern for his place at the World Cup.
Guardiola has turned to his other attacking options for a spark recently but the stats boffins have backed the Mancunian to deliver for his boss in the vital moments as we enter the pointy end of the campaign.
Phil Foden earns a surprise place in this team despite a poor season by his high standards
Attacking Midfield: Rayan Cherki
Sofascore rating: 7.3/10
Rayan Cherki and Florian Wirtz have started to show the reasons they signed for their respective clubs. Cherki just nips Wirtz for a starting XI spot though, providing a strong influence on a more consistent basis than the German.
Yet to get off the mark in the FA cup, he will be looking to change things this weekend. He has 11 assists and nine goals across all competitions, remarkable numbers that highlight his growing influence.
At just £34m, many would argue he has been one of the best-value signings of the season.
Erling Haaland occupies the centre forward position with a rating of 7.26/10
Striker: Erling Haaland
Sofascore rating: 7.26/10
Erling Haaland completes a Manchester City-heavy front line – and for good reason.
The Norwegian continues to deliver in front of goal and boasts an impressive record against Liverpool, having scored five goals against the Merseyside club.
However, Saturday presents a new challenge, with Haaland yet to face Liverpool in the FA Cup, another competition he will be looking to net past them in. As he aims to bring more silverware to Manchester City, he will be looking to bring the goals back into his game and have a strong end to the season.
With Alexander Isak out injured for most of the campaign and Hugo Ekitike blowing hot and cold. there can be no argument against Haaland’s inclusion in this team.
