Sunday 19 March 2017 16:14, UK
Ahead of Manchester City's clash with Liverpool on Nissan Super Sunday, Dietmar Hamann picks his combined XI...
Hamann made over 300 appearances between the two clubs over a decade in the Premier League.
The German won nine honours during his time at Anfield, but that hasn't played in the Merseysiders' favour, with only three players making the final cut.
So, to see which Manchester City and Liverpool players feature in Hamann's 4-2-3-1 formation, read on...
GOALKEEPER: Willy Caballero
Pep Guardiola has turned to the steady hands of the Argentine veteran after Claudio Bravo's shaky start to life at Manchester City, and his assured performances see him get the nod ahead of Liverpool duo Simon Mignolet and Loris Karius.
RIGHT-BACK: Pablo Zabaleta
City's no-nonsense rock at the back beats Liverpool ever-present Nathaniel Clyne to the right-back berth, despite splitting his appearances with Bacary Sagna this season.
CENTRE-BACK: John Stones
The most-promising English defender of a generation, Stones has had his ups and downs since joining City but his development under Guardiola, even at this early stage, has been clear for everyone to see.
CENTRE-BACK: Joel Matip
Matip has slotted seamlessly into the Liverpool defence following his free transfer from Schalke last summer and the impact his absence had - due to a dispute over his involvement in the Africa Cup of Nations - shows how crucial he is to Jurgen Klopp's side.
LEFT-BACK: Aleksandar Kolarov
The Serb comes out on top in a straight toss-up with stand-in Reds full-back James Milner, with the natural defender's ability and quality set pieces outweighing Milner's work-rate.
CENTRE MIDFIELD: Jordan Henderson
A heel injury means the Liverpool skipper will play no part at the Etihad on Sunday, but Hamann has opted for a fit and firing Henderson in this hypothetical XI.
CENTRE MIDFIELD: David Silva
The perfect accompaniment to Henderson's energy in midfield, Silva's craft and guile sees him pip the likes of Yaya Toure and Emre Can to complete the central pairing in Hamann's XI.
RIGHT WING: Raheem Sterling
Sterling's rapid development since Guardiola's appointment has been nothing short of exceptional, according to Hamann.
"Sterling has been excellent," he told Sky Sports. "It started early on in the season where he did things I've not seen him do for a long time; setting up goals and producing step-overs.
"The way he has been playing this season is exceptional and Pep Guardiola deserves a lot for credit."
ATTACKING MIDFIELD: Philippe Coutinho
The only Liverpool player to feature in an attacking line dominated by City players, the influential Brazilian's keen eye for goal and devastating finishing sees him get the nod ahead of team-mate Sadio Mane.
LEFT WING: Kevin De Bruyne
De Bruyne's consistent displays, expert delivery and clinical finishing see him named in the XI ahead of the likes Roberto Firmino and City hot-shot Leroy Sane.
CENTRE FORWARD: Sergio Aguero
City's go-to man over the years has continued to deliver, leading the line in Gabriel Jesus' absence and giving Guardiola food for thought with regards to his long-term future at the club. The Argentine has scored four goals in his nine Premier League appearances against Liverpool.
Watch Manchester City v Liverpool on Nissan Super Sunday. Coverage starts at 4pm, Sky Sports 1 HD
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