Arsenal legend Ray Parlour has boldly claimed that only two Liverpool stars would make it in a combined-XI ahead of the highly-anticipated clash with the Gunners at Anfield on Sunday.
Arsenal make the trip to Anfield on Sunday in what is a rather crucial game for both sides, with the Gunners aiming to maintain their eight-point lead over City in the title race.
After another goalless draw against Chelsea on Tuesday, Liverpool’s top four hopes now hang on a thread, with the Reds in lowly eighth position and 10 points off fourth-place Manchester United.
The fortunes of both sides this term highlight a huge contrast, with a host of Arsenal stars in the running for player of the year awards, while none of Liverpool’s stars have caught the eye, compared to previous seasons.
Speaking ahead of the big clash at Anfield, Parlour claims that only two Liverpool stars would get in a combined-XI with Arsenal, based on current form.
Ray Parlour shares his Liverpool vs Arsenal combined XI
In an interview with NetBet, the Gunners legend said: “Looking at current form, it has to be all Arsenal, except for Virgil van Dijk. I know he isn’t playing great, but you would get him in alongside Gabriel, no disrespect to Rob Holding, and with William Saliba currently out injured.”
“You would also still have to find a spot for Mohamed Salah, but you can’t leave Bukayo Saka out and Gabriel Martinelli is playing well so it is an awkward one.”
“But with Gabriel Jesus having recently come back from injury, I would put Salah up front over the Brazilian. You’ve got to get Salah in there somehow – he could play as a false number nine up front with Saka and Martinelli on the wing – as Jesus has only just come back.”
“Liverpool don’t get many spaces. You’ve got Aaron Ramsdale in goal, I am happy with Ben White at right-back, he’s a good defender and has done so well this season, and at left-back Oleksandr Zinchenko has been brilliant.”
“I love Andy Robertson, he’s a good player, but Zinchenko has been one of Arsenal’s best players in recent weeks. I’d certainly rather have White and Zinchenko over Trent Alexander-Arnold and Robertson.”
“And in midfield, Thomas Partey has been excellent, and you can’t leave Martin Odegaard out the way he’s been playing. Nobody from Liverpool’s midfield gets in.”
“Partey, Granit Xhaka and Odegaard, as a three, they work so well together, and I can’t see how the likes of Jordan Henderson or Fabinho get in the way they are playing.”
