Liverpool’s trip to Barcelona is a truly mouthwatering Champions League clash – and it’s live on talkSPORT.
The clubs haven’t come to blows since 2007, where the Reds shocked the Catalan giants to progress to the quarter-finals of the competition.
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Van Dijk will be hoping to nullify the threat of Messi on Wednesday evening
Both sides have so much to play for, with Barcelona chasing a treble and Liverpool still on course for a double, with the Premier League title still within reach.
What’s more, Barca talisman Lionel Messi has yet to score against the Reds – although he has only played two matches against the Anfield club –Â and he will be desperate to strike against a sixth English club.
The two sides have talented players in abundance and here, talkSPORT.com has given its verdict on a combined XI from the two star-studded squads.
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Formation: 4-2-3-1
Goalkeeper: Alisson
Alisson gets the nod over Marc-Andre ter Stegen for his commanding performances between the sticks for Liverpool this season.
The Brazilian stopper has shored up a clear weakness that has hindered Liverpool in recent years and has helped the Reds on their way to a league-high 20 clean sheets this season.
Ter Stegen has been very good for the Blaugrana this term but has not impacted his side as much as Alisson.
Defenders:
Trent Alexander-Arnold, Virgil van Dijk, Gerard Pique, and Andrew Robertson
Jordi Alba may well go down as one of the best full-backs ever, but right now Robertson is arguably the best left-back in Europe.
He will pose a significant threat to Barcelona with his surging runs forward and brilliant delivery.
He racked up his 12th and 13th assists this season in his side’s victory over Huddersfield last week, becoming just the third defender in Premier League history to create over ten goals from defence.
The Scot also works tirelessly in the side, having run 88km in his nine appearances in the Champions League this season.
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Pique has again been immense for Barca this season
Virgil van Dijk has also had a phenomenal season. He has won the PFA Player of the Year and is arguably the best central defender in the world at the present time.
Joining him in the second centre-back slot is Barca veteran Gerard Pique. The Spaniard has been at his very best this season with some typically imperious performances at the back. Without Pique, Barca would not be chasing a treble.
Finally, Trent Alexander-Arnold gets the nod over Sergi Roberto at right-back for his stellar displays this term.
Roberto has been alternating with Nelson Semedo this campaign, with neither securing a starting spot. While Alexander-Arnold has been explosive on the right-flank throughout the campaign.
Midfielders: Sergio Busquets, Ivan Rakitic
Busquets tops the passing charts in the competition this season, having completed 783 passes. The three-time winner of the competition has also ran more than any of his team-mates, having covered a huge 101.7km.
He gets the nod over Fabinho in the anchor role in front of the back four.
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Busquets is an essential anchor in Barca’s midfield
Rakitic secures the second spot in midfield having had another superbly consistent season in LaLiga. The Croat has only contributed three goals and four assists but has been essential in keeping things ticking over in midfield.
Georginio Wijnaldum is unlucky to miss out after having another good season in Klopp’s side.
Forwards: Mohamed Salah, Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez, Sadio Mane
Sadio Mane gets the slot on the left-wing as he is having his best season yet in English football.
He has netted 20 goals in 34 appearances this season and was rightfully selected in the PFA Team of the Year.
Philippe Coutinho has improved in recent matches but has somewhat struggled to adapt to life in the famous red and blue striped shirt in his first full season in Catalonia.
Messi obviously takes the no.10 role in this set-up. The Argentine has once again been sensational this season, netting an incredible 46 goals in all competitions. He also leads the way for goals in Europe this season (10).
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Salah’s form has picked up at just the right time
On the right side of attack is Mohamed Salah. The Egyptian star has hit form at just the right time for Liverpool, with five goals in his last six matches. He is simply too good to leave out of the XI.
Completing the line-up is ex-Reds ace Luis Suarez. The Uruguayan has again been prolific this season, netting 21 goals in 33 LaLiga matches.
He gets the nod over Roberto Firmino, who has had a good season for Liverpool but hasn’t been as lethal in front of goal as Suarez.
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Is this the best combined XI between Liverpool and Barca?
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