Tottenham v Liverpool combined XI: Daniel Sturridge and Dele Alli fail to make Phil Thompson's side

Phil Thompson

Saturday 27 August 2016 11:04, UK

Phil Thompson picked his Tottenham v Liverpool combined XI ahead of Saturday's showdown, live on Sky Sports 1 HD.

Thommo has opted to select more Spurs players than those from his former club, with the majority of the hosts' backline preferred along with Harry Kane ahead of Daniel Sturridge.

He has, however, gone with the Reds' attacking midfielders, snubbing Dele Alli, Christian Eriksen and Erik Lamela.

Here's his combined XI in full...

Thommo says: I think this team would have a good chance at winning the Premier League. It's solid at the back with one of the best holding midfielders and has creativity and goals up front.

I don't think there's much debate to be had about the goalkeeper, then at right-back I'm going with Nathaniel Clyne because he's a bit more defensively reliable than Kyle Walker.

I couldn't realistically go with any of Liverpool's other defenders and Eric Dier is as good as most defensive midfielders around, while we don't really have a good fit in that role.

However, I think our creativity and flair players are better. You could see that against Arsenal. Roberto Firmino and Philippe Coutinho's link-up is superb.

As for Sadio Mane, with the way he's started the season, he's looking like Liverpool's most important player. He's not just quick but he's electric.

He's selfless and has a good football brain. Everybody thought he was overpriced, myself included, but the way he's started and compared to some of the other signings this window, he could turn out to be a bargain.

Then finally in midfield there's Adam Lallana. I'm a big fan of his and I was shocked that he missed out on England's final game at the Euros because he was one of our better players. He's everything Jurgen Klopp wants in his players.

Spurs also have quality in that area but Alli obviously hasn't started the season so he's not really in contention for the team, while Eriksen is similar to Coutinho and Firmino.

For my lone striker I'm going for Harry Kane, who gives you a bit of height, plus the creativity and goalscoring. I think Daniel Sturridge is very close but he's in and out and if I had to go for just one striker then it would have to be Kane.

Thommo has also picked his Sky Sports Fantasy Six-a-Side team, with another £5,000 up for grabs for the top-scoring team from Saturday's early kick-off.