Liverpool host Arsenal this weekend in a tie that could decide which side occupies the final top four spot come the end of the season.

Both sides looked like potential Premier League title challengers before the New Year, having had terrific starts to the season, but things have changed since the calendar flipped to 2017.

Liverpool have won only once since the turn of the year, that victory being an impressive and convincing 2-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur. The other eleven of their fixtures have ended either as a draw or in defeat, their most recent loss coming at the hands of a resurgent Leicester City at the King Power Stadium.

Arsenal themselves haven't been particularly impressive, either. While dominating their fixtures against the Premier League strugglers, the Gunners have fallen at the bigger hurdles, losing to the likes of Chelsea and Bayern Munich in recent weeks.

This Saturday's game is crunch time for both sides and their managers. But who would make a combined XI of the two sides? Based on 2017 there wouldn't be much to go by but as they say, form is temporary and class is permanent, so taking that into account, here we go ...

Petr Cech

No real thought had to go into this decision. While Cech has come under some criticism lately for some of his performances, most notably in the 3-1 defeat against former club Chelsea, he still remains Arsenal's number one, and one of the best in the Premier League. The veteran keeper is on another level to any of the Gunner's others or Liverpool's shot-stoppers.

Nathaniel Clyne

About the only positive thing in Liverpool's defence this season has been Nathaniel Clyne. The right-back has once again been consistent down the flank for the Reds, offering both excellent attacking options and solid defensive cover. Just a shame the rest of his compatriots at the back, most notably in the middle, cannot seem to get anywhere near his level of performance.

Lauren Koscielny

The best centre half between the two clubs, the Frenchman has become a key figure at the Emirates for Arsenal over the past few seasons. Technically gifted while also a commanding physical presence, Koscielny is growing in strength each season, especially since he seems to have found himself a partner...

Shkodran Mustafi

I was critical of Mustafi after his move to Arsenal, as I wasn't particularly impressed with his form at the European Championship's for Germany, and the start to his Gunners career wasn't brilliant either. He seems to have grown in confidence and is beginning to form a solid partnership with the aforementioned Lauren Koscielny, one that could potentially carry the club forward into the future.

Granit Xhaka

A terrible disciplinary record, but boy, Xhaka can play. When he isn't suspended, Xhaka provides a fire in the belly of Arsenal's midfield they have lacked for a number of years, while also providing an excellent range of passing. The Swiss international also adds a goal threat from outside the box with his rocket of a left boot.

Georginio Wijnaldum

The silent man at Anfield, and Jurgen Klopp knows it too, often expressing his admiration for the Dutchman. While he may not get as many goals and assists as he perhaps should based on his form for ex-club Newcastle United, Wijnaldum pulls the strings in Liverpool's midfield with his classy footwork and understanding of the game. A typical Dutchman, if you will.

Mesut Ozil

Gone missing in recent weeks, and again failed to show in the big games, Ozil still oozes class and his link up with Alexis Sanchez is quite a sight to behold. You can't help but think if the rest of the Arsenal squad were on the wavelength of this man then they really would be a challenging for the title, as the former Madrid man seems to always be one or two steps ahead of everyone else.

Adam Lallana

I have always been a huge admirer of Adam Lallana, so to see him flourish as he has done this season has been a joy to watch. Named England's Player of the Year, and rewarded with a new contract at Liverpool, Lallana has finally added a final product to his elegant, continental style of play, scoring eight goals and providing seven assists so far this season.

Sadio Mane

Liverpool really did miss this boy while he was playing at the Africa Cup of Nations with Senegal. Mane signalled his return with an excellent display against Tottenham in which he scored both goals in Liverpool's only win of 2017 so far.

Pacy, direct, great feet and an eye for goal, many questioned the hefty fee the Reds paid for him in the summer, but he has proven to be worth every penny of that £34million so far.

Danny Welbeck

There are plenty of options in this department from both sides. Olivier Giroud, Lucas Perez, Divock Origi, Daniel Sturridge. The list could go on, but really only one man makes the cut as the lead striker in this combined XI, and that man is Danny Welbeck.

Given a hard time throughout his career and having struggled with injuries since his move to Arsenal, the Englishman has been brilliant when starting, not only scoring goals but providing for those around him too.

His delicate touch and grace in the final third is something to be admired.

Alexis Sanchez

Probably the first name on this team-sheet. Sanchez has again been outstanding, if not too good, for the Gunners this season, scoring 20 times and providing 11 assists in all competitions

. A truly world class player (Alan Shearer may not agree), Arsenal will be lucky to hold on to the enigmatic forward come the end of the season if they end the year trophy less.

Formation

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