Combined Best XI: Manchester City vs. Everton

Everton's English defender John Stones (L) tries to block as Manchester City's English midfielder Raheem Sterling crosses the ball as it goes out of play during the English League Cup semi-final second leg football match between Manchester City and Everton at the Etihad Stadium in Manchester, north west England on January 27, 2016. Manchester City won the match 3-1. AFP PHOTO/Paul Ellis / AFP / PAUL ELLIS / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 75 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo credit should read PAUL ELLIS/AFP/Getty Images) /

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GLASGOW, SCOTLAND – SEPTEMBER 28: Fernandinho of Manchester City during the UEFA Champions League match between Celtic and Manchester City at Celtic Park on September 28, 2016 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Matthew Ashton – AMA/Getty Images) /

Fernandinho

Playing with two strikers up top means only having one lone defensive midfielder. This was a tough choice and Gareth Barry and Idrissa Gueye have both excelled for Everton in deeper midfield roles. But the work ethic and speed Fernandinho plays with means he gets the nod over the two Everton boys. If anyone can do the defensive job and still play a part in the build up to attack, it’s the Brazilian. Gueye currently leads the EPL in tackles, and would likely have gotten the nod if the formation had allowed for two defensive midfielders.