Partey and Aubameyang miss out on Arsenal vs Liverpool combined XI

While clashes between Arsenal and Liverpool have historically meant more than a battle for a top six finish, the two approach tonight's game at the Emirates in ninth and seventh place respecively. Both will harbour some hopes of a place in the top four, though Arsenal's appear extremely slim at this stage, but it's fair to say fans of both clubs would have expected more to now.

Injuries have decimated Liverpool's defensive ranks all season, while inconsistency continues to plague Arsenal, so of the players available - that is excluding those that are definitely injured - who would make a combined XI between the sides based on this season's league performances?

Well, we have you covered, compiling a lineup with a minimum of ten league appearances set as a requirement. The result sees Liverpool outnumber Arsenal eight to three, though it's safe to say the Gunners trio of representatives isn't what many might have expected, certainly ahead of the season, starting in goal...

Indeed, Bernd Leno gets the nod over Alisson despite the fact that he himself has suffered a signficant drop in WhoScored.com rating this season. The German has more clean sheets (8 to 6), albeit from four more appearances, and is averaging marginally more saves per game (2.5 to 2.3).

Another player to make the lineup despite seeing his rating fall dramatically this season, Trent Alexander-Arnold beats Hector Bellerin to the right-back spot, while Andrew Robertson (6.79) pips compatriot Kieran Tierney (6.72) in a close run thing on the left.

At centre-back, the second Arsenal name in the lineup is that of summer signing Gabriel, who has forced his way back into the team of late after a lull in form had followed an excellent start to life in England. He's partnered by Nat Phillips, which is both evidence of the defensive crisis at Anfield and testament to the 24-year-old's ability to step up, winning more aerial duels per 90 (5.4) than any other Premier League defender this season.

The midfield pairing comprises of Fabinho and Thiago, which is a partnership Reds fans would no doubt have hoped to see much more of to now. With the Brazilian filling in at the back for much of the campaign, Thiago has been forced to adopt a more defensive role at times and struggled with that side of the game, averaging 2.6 fouls per 90. Now with Fabinho back in the middle of the park, both should be able to improve on modest WhoScored.com ratings to date.

The spots out wide are relatively predictable, though the inclusion of both Salah and Mane comes at the expense of the impressive Bukayo Saka. While Mane in particular has struggled to replicate his figures from previous campaigns, his tallies for both goals (7) and assists (4) still exceed those of the Arsenal youngster (5 and 2 respectively), whilst Salah's 17-goal haul is incomparable.

Roberto Firmino takes the first spot up front despite another underwhelming campaign by way of goals, with just six to date, with a further five assists. Despite his critics he remains an important player for the Reds, and is joined up front by Alexandre Lacazette, who has outperformed his captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (6.76). Indeed, the Frenchman has more goals (11 to 9) from fewer minutes than his Arsenal partner, whilst creating more chances (20 to 15) and completing more dribbles (19 to 12) to boot.