A combined Merseyside XI; who makes the cut?

Every season, Liverpool and Everton come together to dish out one of the feistiest and most passionate derbies in the world.

So, let's take a look at which players would make the first team were the two traditional rivals to be merged this season. 

Simon MIgnolet

The Belgian shot-stopper has grown into one of the best goalkeepers in the league after his £9M move from Sunderland, who he almost single-handedly kept in the league last season. The experienced Tim Howard is unlucky to miss out.

Leighton Baines

Very few left-backs in the league are as productive going forward as the Englishman. From corners, free-kicks to quality crosses, Baines has been involved in most of Everton’s goal-scoring opportunities for the last couple of seasons.

Daniel Agger

A classy ball-playing defender, Barca’s continued interest in the Danish international should help you understand why he makes the cut.

Phil Jagielka

Now an established member of the England set-up, Jagielka is as solid as centerbacks come. Skrtel’s form hasn't been good for quite some time now, and Liverpool’s summer defensive reinforcements will need some time before they can challenge Phil for his spot in the Merseyside combined.

Glen Johnson

Going forward, he is everything you would want from your right-back. Though he can be a bit suspect defensively, he still has too much about him to edge out the impressive Seamus Coleman.

 Leon Osman

Criminally underrated, Leon Osman is decent enough to play for any top-four side. It's strange that he had to wait so long to earn his first England cap. 

Lucas is unlucky to miss out thanks to his injury problems.

Steven Gerrard

The less said the better.

Kevin Mirallas

The Belgian duly takes his place on the right wing. Full of running and tricks, the former Olympiakos man has too much on Iago Aspas and Borini.

Luis Suarez

Self-explanatory

Steven Pienaar

The South African makes the cut largely thanks to Leighton Baines. Their partnership on the left wing is one of the primary reasons why Everton are so dangerous.

Daniel Sturridge

Having picked up from where he left off last season, the former Chelsea man must now be considered as a serious for this season's golden boot. He beats Jelavic and co. hands down.

So here’s the team in a 4-4-2 formation,

Mignolet

Johnson - Jagielka  -  Agger - Baines

Mirallas - Gerrard - Osman - Pienaar

            

           Suarez - Sturridge