The Premier League returns with a bang!

Top-flight action continues on Saturday afternoon as Manchester City host Liverpool at the Etihad Stadium (12:30pm).

Both sides are unbeaten so far this season after their opening three league outings – winning twice, and drawing the other tie.

The Citizens snatched a last-gasp 2-1 win at AFC Bournemouth last time out, through Raheem Sterling’s injury-time winner, before the England international was controversially sent off for celebrating with the away fans.

Meanwhile, The Reds sent Arsenal fans into meltdown after thrashing Arsene Wenger’s Gunners 4-0 at Anfield almost a fortnight ago, with Roberto Firmino, Sadio Mane, Mohamed Salah and Daniel Sturrdige all getting on the scoresheet.

The last meeting between the two clubs saw a second-half Sergio Aguero strike cancel out James Milner’s penalty for Liverpool at the Etihad back in March, with the game finishing one goal apiece.

With the opportunity to snatch top spot from Manchester United during Saturday’s early kick-off with all three points, Shoot! has put together our very own Manchester City-Liverpool combined XI from the Premier League campaign so far…

Goalkeeper: Ederson

Manchester City’s new £35m goalkeeper Ederson fends off Liverpool’s Simon Mignolet and Loris Karius for Shoot!‘s No.1 jersey.

Despite keeping one clean sheet so far this league campaign, conceding two goals, the 24-year-old Brazilian’s distribution is superb and looks a much safer pair of hands between the sticks for Pep Guardiola’s side than Claudio Bravo.

Right-back: Kyle Walker

Another new signing, after City splashed out up to £50m for the former Tottenham full-back, Kyle Walker is undoubtedly our first choice right-back, especially with Liverpool’s Nathaniel Clyne currently out injured.

The 27-year-old returns from suspension following his dismissal against Everton back in August.

Centre-back: Vincent Kompany

The hosts’ captain is a first choice centre-half for Shoot!, despite picking up a knock for Belgium during the international break.

But the 31-year-old is expected to shake off the problem before Saturday’s clash, having played every minute of City’s league term so far – a welcome sight for the home supporters, having being dogged with serious injuries in recent years.

Centre-back: Nicolas Otamendi

Alongside the Belgian is the familiar face of Nicolas Otamendi, ahead of the likes of Liverpool’s Joel Matip and Dejan Lovren.

The 29-year-old Argentine has become an ever-present figure in Guardiola’s City side after a somewhat shaky start to life in English football following his move from Valencia during the summer of 2015.

Left-back: Benjamin Mendy

Yes, the fifth successive Manchester City player to make Shoot!‘s Manchester City-LIVERPOOL starting eleven. But, can you really disagree?

Summer signing Benjamin Mendy is selected as our left-back, ahead of the likes of The Reds’ Alberto Moreno and Andrew Robertson, despite boss Jurgen Klopp recruiting the latter from Hull City during the transfer window.

Mendy, 23, has returned to full fitness following a thigh injury and made his City debut against Bournemouth last time out. He cost around £52m from AS Monaco this summer.

Right centre-midfield: Kevin De Bruyne

I promise you there are Liverpool players in this combined XI!

But, how could we leave this fella out?

Kevin De Bruyne starts in our impressively strong midfield spread, as the 26-year-old’s creativity and eye for goal in the centre of the park poses a real threat for any opposition.

Centre-midfield: Jordan Henderson

Here we go! Liverpool skipper Jordan Henderson is the first Reds star in Shoot!‘s combined XI.

Often underestimated, his presence and work rate in the centre of the park goes largely unnoticed as Liverpool’s flowing and exciting counter-attacking football dominates the headlines, especially with the likes of Sadio Mane, Mohamed Salah and Roberto Firmino firing on all cylinders.

Henderson, 27, should be in good spirits after captaining his country (England) to back-to-back 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifying wins over Malta and Slovakia during the international break.

Left centre-midfield: David Silva

Our final midfield spot is snapped up by this Spaniard.

David Silva is a midfield maestro, with the 31-year-old already registering two assists in his three league outings this season.

Right winger: Mohamed Salah

Another newbie – apart from his failed spell at Premier League rivals Chelsea – Mohamed Salah is the first player in Shoot!‘s frightening strike force.

Liverpool’s new £34m signing from AS Roma has already netted three times and provided two assists in all competitions this term for Jurgen Klopp’s side, with his pace proving devastating in the top-flight.

Centre forward: Sergio Aguero

A weigh-up between his strike partner, Gabriel Jesus, and the Argentine ace, but given his track record in the Premier League, Sergio Aguero gets the nod to lead Shoot!‘s front line.

Despite seemingly now playing second fiddle to Brazilian starlet Gabriel under manager Pep Guardiola, the 29-year-old scored a key goal during City’s opening fixture at Brighton.

Aguero has netted 123 goals in 184 Premier League appearances overall. Enough said!

Left winger: Sadio Mane

And finally, Sadio Mane completes Shoot!‘s Manchester City-Liverpool combined XI!

Arguably now The Reds’ star studded player, following Philippe Coutinho’s Barcelona saga this summer, the 25-year-old winger has already found the back of the net in each Premier League game this season.