How do Manchester City and Liverpool players and managers rate for the season?

Thursday night’s meeting of Manchester City and Liverpool at the Etihad Stadium won’t have quite the same titanic, title-deciding quality we expected when the fixtures were released.

Instead, Pep Guardiola‘s deposed champions will be giving Liverpool a guard of honour after one of the most dominant title wins ever.

The outcome of the championship may already be decided but that won’t stop both teams being determined to lay down an early marker for next season.

Ahead of the big game, we take a look at City and Liverpool’s strongest XI from this season and how they have performed.

Manchester City and Liverpool are set to meet at the Etihad Stadium on Thursday night - pictured are Trent Alexander-Arnold and Raheem Sterling in November's game at Anfield

Manchester City and Liverpool are set to meet at the Etihad Stadium on Thursday night - pictured are Trent Alexander-Arnold and Raheem Sterling in November's game at Anfield

Manchester City and Liverpool are set to meet at the Etihad Stadium on Thursday night – pictured are Trent Alexander-Arnold and Raheem Sterling in November’s game at Anfield 

GOALKEEPER

Ederson (Manchester City)

Having been pretty much flawless in City’s back-to-back title wins, the Brazilian has allowed some costly errors to creep into his game, perhaps affected by the less assured defence in front of him. He was sent off at Wolves for charging out and fouling Jota and was culpable for both goals in the loss at Man United. 6/10

Ederson reacts after making a mistake in Manchester City's loss at Old Trafford in March

Ederson reacts after making a mistake in Manchester City's loss at Old Trafford in March

Ederson reacts after making a mistake in Manchester City’s loss at Old Trafford in March

Alisson (Liverpool)

It’s difficult to remember now but Alisson missed nearly three months with a calf injury at the start of the season. That’s because his performances since have been outstanding, with 14 clean sheets and just 11 goals conceded from 22 Premier League outings. His assist for Mohamed Salah against Manchester United proved his attacking worth as well! 9

Alisson has been excellent for Liverpool this season - with 14 clean sheets in 22 league games

Alisson has been excellent for Liverpool this season - with 14 clean sheets in 22 league games

Alisson has been excellent for Liverpool this season – with 14 clean sheets in 22 league games

RIGHT-BACK

Kyle Walker (Manchester City)

The signing of Joao Cancelo last summer left Walker with little choice but to up his game and the England right-back has done precisely that. He remains Guardiola’s first choice in the Premier League and has offered reliability and consistency when his defensive colleagues haven’t. 8

It's been a positive season for Kyle Walker (left) who has held down City's right-back spot

It's been a positive season for Kyle Walker (left) who has held down City's right-back spot

It’s been a positive season for Kyle Walker (left) who has held down City’s right-back spot

Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool)

Excelling and clearly enjoying his football as anyone who’s won the Premier League and Champions League by the age of 22 should. Continues to get better and better, starting every league game this season and equalling the record for assists by a defender with 12. Has proven himself a classy free-kick taker as well. 9

Trent Alexander-Arnold celebrates after scoring a magnificent free-kick against Crystal Palace

Trent Alexander-Arnold celebrates after scoring a magnificent free-kick against Crystal Palace

Trent Alexander-Arnold celebrates after scoring a magnificent free-kick against Crystal Palace

CENTRE-BACK 

Nicolas Otamendi (Manchester City)

Age seems to be catching up with the 32-year-old Argentine, who has not come close to the 2017-18 form that saw him named in the PFA team of the year. Asked to step up in Laporte’s injury absence, there have been too many lapses in concentration and mistakes, leaving City vulnerable at the back. 6

Nicolas Otamendi (right) hasn't always looked assured at the back for Manchester City

Nicolas Otamendi (right) hasn't always looked assured at the back for Manchester City

Nicolas Otamendi (right) hasn’t always looked assured at the back for Manchester City

Joe Gomez (Liverpool)

Tends to get overshadowed by Van Dijk and was very much out of favour at the beginning of the season, but Gomez has applied himself and is now a regular centre-half again. Was excellent in Liverpool’s run of seven consecutive clean sheets in December and January that made the title race a procession. 8

Joe Gomez (left) has established himself as the regular defensive partner for Virgil van Dijk

Joe Gomez (left) has established himself as the regular defensive partner for Virgil van Dijk

Joe Gomez (left) has established himself as the regular defensive partner for Virgil van Dijk

CENTRE-BACK

Fernandinho (Manchester City)

The Brazilian midfielder, 35, looked destined for a season on the bench until Laporte’s injury in August led to Guardiola asking him to perform an unfamiliar role at centre-back. Tried admirably to make the conversion and offered leadership at the back but is exposed for pace against quick players. Nonetheless, saw his contract extended as gratitude for his efforts. 7

Fernandinho is beaten for pace by Christian Pulisic during City's defeat to Chelsea last week

Fernandinho is beaten for pace by Christian Pulisic during City's defeat to Chelsea last week

Fernandinho is beaten for pace by Christian Pulisic during City’s defeat to Chelsea last week

Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool)

What more is there to say? Signing Van Dijk has proved the masterstroke that has elevated Liverpool to the highest levels over the past couple of years. The best defender in the world bar none, a rock of reliability and a born leader. Is it enough to improve on last year’s second place in the Ballon d’Or? 10

Virgil van Dijk has enjoyed another practically flawless campaign in Liverpool's defence

Virgil van Dijk has enjoyed another practically flawless campaign in Liverpool's defence

Virgil van Dijk has enjoyed another practically flawless campaign in Liverpool’s defence

LEFT-BACK 

Benjamin Mendy (Manchester City)

The Frenchman re-established himself as first choice left-back ahead of Oleksandr Zinchenko and put last season’s injury woes behind him with a series of good performances. Can still be unreliable at times but increasingly seen as a better performer than Zinchenko.

Benjamin Mendy has found the consistency of form to reclaim his place at left-back for City

Benjamin Mendy has found the consistency of form to reclaim his place at left-back for City

Benjamin Mendy has found the consistency of form to reclaim his place at left-back for City

Andrew Robertson (Liverpool)

Not quite as many assists in the Premier League as last season (so far) and not quite as many as Alexander-Arnold, with whom he is in friendly rivalry. But Robertson’s influence should not be mistaken and he has missed just a couple of games in another great season. Trumps TAA when it comes to defensive duties. 9

Andrew Robertson has become increasingly influential for Liverpool and is defensively sound

Andrew Robertson has become increasingly influential for Liverpool and is defensively sound

Andrew Robertson has become increasingly influential for Liverpool and is defensively sound

MIDFIELD

Kevin De Bruyne (Manchester City)

City’s best performer this season and for some the best player in the Premier League as well. Highlights have included that staggering goal at Newcastle and pretty much beating Arsenal on his own at the Emirates. 10 goals and 16 assists in the Premier League tell only half the story – it’s the flashes of genius, the way he makes it all look so easy and his drive and leadership too. 9

Kevin De Bruyne curls home a free-kick against Chelsea, the latest highlight in a stellar season

Kevin De Bruyne curls home a free-kick against Chelsea, the latest highlight in a stellar season

Kevin De Bruyne curls home a free-kick against Chelsea, the latest highlight in a stellar season

Jordan Henderson (Liverpool)

Liverpool’s captain has led by example in another superlative season. There was a time when Henderson struggled in the shadow of Steven Gerrard – but no longer. His tireless work ethic and leadership has been rewarded with the highest honours. Could yet scoop all the individual accolades this season as well. 10

Liverpool's captain Henderson has been absolutely superb and will lift the league trophy

Liverpool's captain Henderson has been absolutely superb and will lift the league trophy

Liverpool’s captain Henderson has been absolutely superb and will lift the league trophy

MIDFIELD

Rodri (Manchester City)

It’s been a largely encouraging first season in England for Rodri, who has featured perhaps more than he might have done after Fernandinho’s switch to centre-back. Composed on the ball and capable of defence-splitting passes as well as being a fairly solid shield for the defence. 7

Rodri (right) has enjoyed an encouraging first season in English football with Manchester City

Rodri (right) has enjoyed an encouraging first season in English football with Manchester City

Rodri (right) has enjoyed an encouraging first season in English football with Manchester City

Fabinho (Liverpool)

The Brazilian reached new heights during the opening months of the season and was particularly exceptional in the 3-1 win over Man City that gave Liverpool breathing space at the top. His mid-season ankle ligament injury checked this progress but has been excellent again since the resumption, as seen against Crystal Palace last week. 9

Fabinho celebrates his long-range thunderbolt in Liverpool's win over Crystal Palace last week

Fabinho celebrates his long-range thunderbolt in Liverpool's win over Crystal Palace last week

Fabinho celebrates his long-range thunderbolt in Liverpool’s win over Crystal Palace last week

MIDFIELD

Ilkay Gundogan (Manchester City)

An essential part of City’s midfield, keeping them ticking over and moving forward. Works well alongside Rodri for the most part and grafts hard. Valued by Guardiola for his ability to play any of the central midfield roles depending on the need.

Ilkay Gundogan on the ball for City in their title-conceding defeat to Chelsea last week

Ilkay Gundogan on the ball for City in their title-conceding defeat to Chelsea last week

Ilkay Gundogan on the ball for City in their title-conceding defeat to Chelsea last week

Georginio Wijnaldum (Liverpool)

The fact the Dutchman has started all but one of Liverpool’s Premier League games shows how Klopp has absolute trust in him to win midfield battles. Never rattled or flustered, Wijnaldum does everything required of him well and occasionally turns games himself. 9

Georginio Wijnaldum has been pretty much an ever-present in Liverpool's midfield three

Georginio Wijnaldum has been pretty much an ever-present in Liverpool's midfield three

Georginio Wijnaldum has been pretty much an ever-present in Liverpool’s midfield three

FORWARD

Riyad Mahrez (Manchester City)

Decent enough returns of nine league goals and 11 assists have just about maintained Mahrez’s status as first choice on the right side of the attack, even if it hasn’t been a vintage season. Delivered in big games against Leicester and Chelsea but can be frustrating on other occasions. 7

Riyad Mahrez has contributed nine league goals and 11 assists this season for Man City

Riyad Mahrez has contributed nine league goals and 11 assists this season for Man City

Riyad Mahrez has contributed nine league goals and 11 assists this season for Man City

Mohamed Salah (Liverpool)

Always doomed to be judged by the exceptional standards of earlier seasons at Liverpool but Salah is nonetheless the club’s top scorer in all competitions with 21. The Egyptian star hasn’t really gone through a bad patch this season, scoring at a consistent rate. 9

Mohamed Salah has enjoyed another fine season, scoring at a consistent rate for Liverpool

Mohamed Salah has enjoyed another fine season, scoring at a consistent rate for Liverpool

Mohamed Salah has enjoyed another fine season, scoring at a consistent rate for Liverpool

FORWARD

Sergio Aguero (Manchester City)

It’s tempting to write Aguero off as being in the twilight of his career at 32 but he just continues to deliver the goals. 16 in the league and 23 in all competitions, he’d be assured of being City’s leading scorer again if not for his recent knee surgery. City know they will have to replace him sooner rather than later but what enormous boots to fill.

Sergio Aguero continues to supply goals regularly for City with 16 in the Premier League

Sergio Aguero continues to supply goals regularly for City with 16 in the Premier League

Sergio Aguero continues to supply goals regularly for City with 16 in the Premier League

Roberto Firmino (Liverpool)

While he won’t match Salah and Mane for goalscoring numbers, Firmino plays completely selflessly and is often the difference in games without getting on the scoresheet. Regularly delivers in those tricky away games to earn important results – see Chelsea, Leicester, Tottenham and Wolves this season. 9

Roberto Firmino goes on the charge during Liverpool's 4-0 win over Crystal Palace last week

Roberto Firmino goes on the charge during Liverpool's 4-0 win over Crystal Palace last week

Roberto Firmino goes on the charge during Liverpool’s 4-0 win over Crystal Palace last week

FORWARD

Raheem Sterling (Manchester City)

A season of two halves for Sterling who looked excellent in the opening few months, scoring a steady stream of goals in the Premier League and Europe. But things have tailed off this year and flashes of his undoubted brilliance have become fewer. Has a great chance to shine in the Champions League in August, however. 7

Raheem Sterling celebrates scoring as City defeat Newcastle in the FA Cup at the weekend

Raheem Sterling celebrates scoring as City defeat Newcastle in the FA Cup at the weekend

Raheem Sterling celebrates scoring as City defeat Newcastle in the FA Cup at the weekend

Sadio Mane (Liverpool)

An exceptional campaign. Mane’s return of 19 goals and 12 assists in all competitions (15 and 9 in the league) tells you everything about a season in which he has terrorised defences. Like Salah has not gone off the boil at any stage and his game continues to improve, as shown by his sixth sense for getting in the most dangerous position to score. 10

Sadio Mane has been another stand-out performer for Liverpool with 19 goals and 12 assists

Sadio Mane has been another stand-out performer for Liverpool with 19 goals and 12 assists

Sadio Mane has been another stand-out performer for Liverpool with 19 goals and 12 assists 

MANAGER 

Pep Guardiola (Manchester City)

It was always going to be difficult for City to keep up the standards of the past two seasons and so it has proved. Guardiola has paid the price for not strengthening his defence and the result has been eight league defeats (more than the last two seasons combined) and opponents sniffing a vulnerability about City. There’s a reason why they’re favourites to reclaim their crown next season but Pep needs to shrewdly rebuild things over the summer. 7

Pep Guardiola cuts a dejected figure as City cede the Premier League title to Liverpool

Pep Guardiola cuts a dejected figure as City cede the Premier League title to Liverpool

Pep Guardiola cuts a dejected figure as City cede the Premier League title to Liverpool

Jurgen Klopp (Liverpool)

Manchester City told their challengers last season that they would have to produce a practically flawless campaign to beat them. Klopp’s Liverpool accepted the challenge and smashed it. Whatever happens now, the German has entered the pantheon of Liverpool’s legendary managers. 10

Jurgen Klopp's legendary status at Liverpool is guaranteed after this Premier League triumph

Jurgen Klopp's legendary status at Liverpool is guaranteed after this Premier League triumph

Jurgen Klopp’s legendary status at Liverpool is guaranteed after this Premier League triumph

TOTALS

MANCHESTER CITY – 86/120

LIVERPOOL – 111/120  

Leave a Reply