Barcelona vs Liverpool: Who makes the combined XI ahead of mouthwatering Champions League tie?

Barcelona vs Liverpool: Who makes the combined XI ahead of mouthwatering Champions League tie?
Liverpoolstrip toBarcelonais a truly mouthwatering Champions League clash and itslive on talkSPORT.The clubs havent come to blows since 2007, where the Reds shocked the Catalan giants to progress to the quarter-finals of the competition.Getty5

Van Dijk will be hoping to nullify the threat of Messi on Wednesday evening

Both sides have so much to play for, with Barcelona chasing a treble and Liverpool still on course for a double, with the Premier League title still within reach.What’s more, Barca talisman Lionel Messi has yet to score against the Reds – although he has only played two matches against the Anfield club – and he will be desperate to strike against a sixth English club.The two sides have talented players in abundance and here, talkSPORT.com has given its verdict on a combined XI from the two star-studded squads.

---

Formation: 4-2-3-1

Goalkeeper: Alisson

Alisson gets the nod over Marc-Andre ter Stegen for his commanding performances between the sticks for Liverpool this season.The Brazilian stopper has shored up a clear weakness that has hindered Liverpool in recent years and has helped the Reds on their way to a league-high 20 clean sheets this season.Ter Stegen has been very good for the Blaugrana this term but has not impacted his side as much as Alisson.

Defenders:

Trent Alexander-Arnold, Virgil van Dijk, Gerard Pique, and Andrew Robertson

Jordi Alba may well go down as one of the best full-backs ever, but right now Robertson is arguably the best left-back in Europe.He will pose a significant threat to Barcelona with his surging runs forward and brilliant delivery.He racked up his 12th and 13th assists this season in his sides victory overHuddersfield last week, becoming just the third defender in Premier League history to create over ten goals from defence.The Scot also works tirelessly in the side, having run 88km in his nine appearances in the Champions League this season.5

Pique has again been immense for Barca this season

Virgil van Dijk has also had a phenomenal season. He has won the PFA Player of the Year and is arguably the best central defender in the world at the present time.Joining him in the second centre-back slot is Barca veteran Gerard Pique. The Spaniard has been at his very best this season with some typically imperious performances at the back. Without Pique, Barca would not be chasing a treble.Finally, Trent Alexander-Arnold gets the nod over Sergi Roberto at right-back for his stellar displays this term.Roberto has been alternating with Nelson Semedo this campaign, with neither securing a starting spot. While Alexander-Arnold has been explosive on the right-flank throughout the campaign.

Midfielders: Sergio Busquets, Ivan Rakitic

Busquets tops the passing charts in the competition this season, having completed 783 passes. The three-time winner of the competition has also ran more than any of his team-mates, having covered a huge 101.7km.He gets the nod over Fabinho in the anchor role in front of the back four.5

Busquets is an essential anchor in Barca’s midfield

Rakitic secures the second spot in midfield having had another superbly consistent season in LaLiga. The Croat has only contributed three goals and four assists but has been essential in keeping things ticking over in midfield.Georginio Wijnaldum is unlucky to miss out after having another good season in Klopp’s side.

Forwards: Mohamed Salah, Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez, Sadio Mane

Sadio Mane gets the slot on the left-wing as he is having his best season yet in English football.He has netted 20 goals in 34 appearances this season and was rightfully selected in the PFA Team of the Year.Philippe Coutinho has improved in recent matches but has somewhat struggled to adapt to life in the famous red and blue striped shirt in his first full season in Catalonia.Messi obviously takes the no.10 role in this set-up. The Argentine has once again been sensational this season, netting an incredible 46 goals in all competitions. He also leads the way for goals in Europe this season (10).5

Salah’s form has picked up at just the right time

On the right side of attack is Mohamed Salah. The Egyptian star has hit form at just the right time for Liverpool, with five goals in his last six matches. He is simply too good to leave out of the XI.Completing the line-up is ex-Reds ace Luis Suarez. The Uruguayan has again been prolific this season, netting 21 goals in 33 LaLiga matches.He gets the nod over Roberto Firmino, who has had a good season for Liverpool but hasn’t been as lethal in front of goal as Suarez.5

Is this the best combined XI between Liverpool and Barca?

---

David de Gea: Ole Gunnar Solskjaer gives update on Manchester

---

Norwich City gave their chances of automatic promotion to the Premier League a big boost on Saturday after beating struggling Rotherham 2-1 to move four points clear at the top of the Championship.
Sky Bet Championship round-up: Norwich City up to fourth

---

Two Arsenal players were kind enough to duck out of the way so fans could get a clear view of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang's penalty against Manchester United.. Matteo Guendouzi and Alex Iwobi were warming up at the side of the pitch as the striker stepped up to take the penalty when they responded to pleas from the home support.
Arsenal news : Arsenal fans ask Iwobi & Guendouzi to duck for

---

The football authorities across Europe felt this would fatally undermine the footballing economy and remove the incentive for clubs to invest in developing players. The summer transfer window opened on 16 May 2019 and closes at 17:00 BST on 8 August. See more. 2019 summer transfers 2019 January transfers 2018 summer transfers 2018 January transfers

---

Chris Sutton believes Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has Sutton says Clyne exit could cost Liverpool the title: "This is Klopp's biggest mistake" that could cost his side the Premier
Chris Sutton says Jurgen Klopp has made mistake that could

---

Millwall chief executive Steve Kavanagh has told talkSPORT the club have closed a section of The Den in a bid to rid the club of problematic supporters. The Championship side have also increased the number of stewards and police presence in the ground, following the sorry events which marred their FA Cup win over Everton.…
Millwall CLOSE a section of the Den after hooliganism and

---

In-form attacking midfielder Harry Wilson could be recalled by parent club Liverpool in January, Derby County manager Frank Lampard has confirmed. Liverpool news: Reds could recall Wilson from
Frank Lampard Confirms Liverpool Won't Recall Harry Wilson

---

David Beckham: LA Galaxy to unveil statue in honour of former

---

#BreakingNews #Football #Sport #SportNews #GiveMeFootball Tony Pulis responds to Dave Kitson's claim that he played a part in Aaron Ramsey's leg break : By GiveMe - Football Dave Kitson caused a
Tony Pulis accused as Stoke City old boy recalls the night

---

Fantasy Premier League tips: Transfer advice for Gameweek 34, including Arsenal, Manchester United, and Tottenham stars West Ham, Everton, and Manchester City should be enough to fire him up
Fantasy Premier League tips: Transfer advice for Gameweek 38

---

Virgil van Dijk put the icing on the cake with Liverpool's fourth goal of the evening with a header from six yards out The Dutch centre back jumps in the air after getting his name on the
Liverpool tunnel cam captures Van Dijk celebrating before

---