Liverpool v Man City combined XI: Phil Thompson reveals who makes his line-up

Ahead of Manchester City's trip to Liverpool on Sunday, we challenged Anfield legend Phil Thompson to pick his best combined XI from the two squads.

<a href="http://www.skybet.com/go/class/5/type/1?aff=9713&amp;dcmp=ss_betlink_edit_compositexi"><em>I'm backing Liverpool to win 2-1 on Sunday at 9/1 with Sky Bet.</em></a>

The Soccer Saturday panellist has clearly bought into Brendan Rodgers' system, opting for a 3-4-2-1 formation with Raheem Sterling and Pablo Zabaleta used as wing-backs.

Liverpool have tightened up at the back of late, keeping five clean sheets from their last six Premier League games, prompting Thompson to include two of Rodgers' defenders.

However, Reds striker Daniel Sturridge misses out as Sergio Aguero is preferred to lead the line, with David Silva and Philippe Coutinho utilised in supporting roles.

THOMPSON'S COMBINED XI (3-4-2-1): Joe Hart; Emre Can, Martin Skrtel, Vincent Kompany; Pablo Zabaleta, Steven Gerrard, Yaya Toure, Raheem Sterling; David Silva, Philippe Coutinho; Sergio Aguero

The former Liverpool defender told Sky Sports: "I've gone for a very creative and attacking side, which would probably concede a few but would score even more.

"Sturridge misses out as I'd have to have both Silva and Coutinho in my side, with both heading into the game in prime form, while Sturridge is still getting his back.

"Whoever gets a grip of the game out of Silva and Coutinho and provides the players in the advanced areas with the best service will decide the result on Sunday.

"There's a nice blend of those who have impressed for Liverpool of late and the undeniable quality City have.

"How good would it be to have Toure and Gerrard in midfield together? You certainly wouldn't want to be up against them."

Phil Thompson is backing Liverpool to secure a 2-1 win at 9/1 in his Sky Bet tips.