Who would get into a combined team chosen from these two European giants?
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Manchester City host runaway Bundesliga leaders Bayern Munich this evening knowing that nothing other than a victory over Pep Guardiola’s side will be good enough to keep their fading hopes of qualifying for the knockout stages of the Champions League alive.
City did beat Bayern, in Germany no less, during the competition last season, but it would be a huge surprise if they could repeat the feat at the Etihad Stadium tonight. This is our combined XI from the two sides:
GK) Manuel Neuer
The German World Cup winner has well and truly proven himself as the best goalkeeper in the world since moving to Bayern from FC Schalke.
RB) Philipp Lahm
Lahm is the best full back of his generation and even tries his hand in the centre of midfield these days.
CB) Mehdi Benatia
The Moroccan international has been exceptional for Bayern since signing from AS Roma in the summer.
CB) Vincent Kompany
Manchester City captain Kompany is not quite the player that he was two years ago, but he would still get into the Bayern team.
LB) David Alaba
A product of the youth system at the Allianz Arena, Austrian international Alaba has become one of the best left backs in world football.
RM) Arjen Robben
Despite the predictability of it, Robben cutting in onto his left foot to shoot is one of the most potent weapons in world football.
CM) Yaya Toure
For all of his inconsistencies, Toure is still a player capable of the most dazzling displays of power and majesty on his day.
CM) Xabi Alonso
Alonso’s imperious passing stats since he signed for Bayern in the summer are all that you need to know about the quality of the former Liverpool man.
LM) David Silva
Is currently struggling with an injury, but when fully fit the Spaniard is the best creative player in the Premier League.
SC) Thomas Muller
Muller is perhaps the most intelligent forward in world football – having in the team guarantees a steady supply of goals.
SC) Sergio Aguero
Aguero’s wonderful ability to find the net from anywhere and the way that the ball sticks to his feet get him in ahead of target man Robert Lewandowski.