“No-brainer”: Gabby Agbonlahor Names His Combined Arsenal and Liverpool XI and Has No Place for Bukayo Saka or Saliba

Arsenal and Liverpool are set to face off in Premier League action this weekend, with former footballer Gabby Agbonlahor sparking debate by choosing a combined XI featuring players from both teams.

The Reds and the Gunners are both serious contenders in this season’s title race. This upcoming match presents a critical opportunity for each team to establish itself as a dominant force.

With a victory, Liverpool could create a seven-point lead over Arsenal, whereas Arsenal, having recently dropped points, will view this game as a must-win situation.

Both squads boast impressive talent, with numerous players who would be standout starters in almost any European team.

However, according to pundit Gabby Agbonlahor, Liverpool hold the advantage when it comes to both offensive and defensive power.

Gabby Agbonlahor’s Arsenal and Liverpool Combined XI

During his appearance on TalkSPORT to discuss a combined Liverpool and Arsenal XI, Agbonlahor made some unexpected choices. Notably, his selections led to the exclusion of any Arsenal players in his front three.

“In goal, I have got Raya, David Raya. I have got to pick him if Alisson’s available as well. I like Raya. I think he has been outstanding. Some of the saves he is making,

“I really like him, I really really like him. He is a top goalkeeper. Alisson is top as well. A tough one,” Agbonlahor said.

“Right-back, I am going to go with Trent. I think he has been in outstanding form for club and country.

“Two centre-halves, I am going to go with Van Dijk and Konate. I think they have been outstanding. Trent, Van Dijk and Konate. I have got Gabriel at left-back because Calafiori is injured, Robertson’s not in the best form at the moment either.

“As my defensive midfielder, my six would be Declan Rice. I think it’s a no-brainer. He is one of the best in the league.

“In front of him, I have got two waves of Gravenberch and Havertz in that role. He has been pushed back. Sorry, mate. Pushing back.

“And my front three is all Liverpool. Salah’s a no-brainer, Nunez I love him, an absolute pest, and Diaz, I think with a couple of games rest he has had since the international break, I think Diaz will be ready and flying to play against Arsenal.”

Bukayo Saka is Better Than Darwin Nunez

Everyone is entitled to their opinion, but Agbonlahor has taken a bold stance here with some rather unusual choices.

Certainly, William Saliba is unavailable this weekend, and Bukayo Saka is questionable, but overall, if one were to assemble a combined team of Liverpool and Arsenal players based solely on talent, both Saliba and Saka would likely be included.

One could argue the cases of Konate, Van Dijk, or Saliba in defense, but choosing Darwin Nunez over Saka seems like an unusual pick from the TalkSPORT analyst.

In fact, it’s likely that most Premier League fans would favor the dependable Saka over Nunez in such a comparison.

In other news, Mikel Arteta Drops Big Hint Over Starting Arsenal Left-back vs Liverpool After Calafiori Injury Blow