Shearer's Head-Scratching Combined XI Sees Eight Liverpool Players Make the Cut Ahead of Anfield Showdown

Alan Shearer has conjured up a combined Manchester City and Liverpool XI ahead of Sunday's clash at Anfield that's prompted plenty of head-scratching—particularly his decision to pack the side with eight Liverpool players despite their current form.

The timing couldn't be more significant. Arsenal host Sunderland on Saturday, and should they win, City could find themselves nine points adrift at the top. Meanwhile, Liverpool are chasing Champions League qualification alongside Manchester United and Chelsea, making this weekend's encounter crucial for their top-four hopes.

It wasn't so long ago that these fixtures represented a genuine clash of titans, with Jurgen Klopp and Pep Guardiola orchestrating a battle between genuinely world-class squads. Those days feel distant now, though that hardly justifies some of Shearer's more questionable selections.

The Premier League's all-time leading goalscorer has raised plenty of eyebrows with his choices. Andy Robertson gets the nod over Nico O'Reilly, while Jeremie Frimpong edges out Matheus Nunes—or indeed any other City option in that position. Most contentious is Mohamed Salah's inclusion despite Arne Slot rarely selecting him, seemingly preferred over Antoine Semenyo. Rayan Cherki, who's impressed during his debut campaign, also finds himself overlooked.

Alisson over Gianluigi Donnarumma between the sticks is another eyebrow-raiser given their respective form this term. Van Dijk's inclusion will also generate debate, particularly after some notable defensive lapses from the Liverpool captain this season.

Shearer's combined team (for Betfair): Alisson Becker; Jeremie Frimpong, Marc Guehi, Virgil van Dijk, Andy Robertson; Dominik Szoboszlai, Ryan Gravenberch, Bernardo Silva; Mohamed Salah, Erling Haaland, Hugo Ekitike.

Despite the criticism swirling around his side, Van Dijk remains bullish about Liverpool's trajectory. Speaking to Gary Neville on Sky Sports, the defender insisted the campaign can still prove "special" if the Reds secure Champions League football.

"One hundred per cent," Van Dijk replied when asked whether Champions League qualification is essential. "I want to play Champions League football but everyone else wants to play that as well, so we're working very hard to make sure that we do that, but I still feel that this season could still be special."

The captain pointed to Liverpool's continued involvement in multiple competitions as reason for optimism. "We're in the Champions League, we're in the FA Cup still, obviously a big game against Brighton next week and the Champions League, we'll see what happens, but I feel that this season could be special."

Van Dijk acknowledged the obstacles overcome already—summer upheaval, early-season struggles, and injuries—but maintained his conviction that consistency and application could yet transform the narrative. "Even after all the difficulties we had over the summer, during the first part of the season, injuries, I feel like this still can be something special. But we need consistency, we need to work, we have to enjoy it as well, because we are very, very privileged to be able to go out there every time, represent the club and play good football."