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Yes folks, it’s that time of the year where this column puts its head about the parapet to announce our Mersey XI for the season.

There were a smattering of fine individual performances over the course of the season, and here is an attempt – in the favoured 4-2-3-1 formation of both sides – to mould a team that represents the best of the city for 2014-15.

GOALKEEPER: The first half of the season wasn’t kind to our Mersey custodians, with Simon Mignolet dropped by Liverpool and Tim Howard struggling for form after his World Cup heroics. Joel Robles deputised more convincingly than Brad Jones, but Mignolet’s resurgence after Christmas earns him the jersey.

RIGHT-BACK: It felt like just about everybody had a crack on the right of defence for Liverpool, with Glen Johnson, Kolo Toure, Javi Manquillo and Emre Can all failing to convince. Seamus Coleman wasn’t at his best for the Blues, so the berth goes to John Stones. A centre-back, yes, but we need him in this team.

CENTRE-BACK: That Sylvain Distin and Antolin Alcaraz are being moved on says much about their contribution for Everton. Rarely has a player appeared more nervous then Dejan Lovren, making Martin Skrtel and Phil Jagielka definites.

LEFT-BACK: Alberto Moreno arrived at Anfield with a promising reputation but largely disappointed. Leighton Baines, therefore, is in by default despite, like so many others, not enjoying his best season.

DEFENSIVE MIDFIELD: With two roles up for grabs, there are two standout performers. James McCarthy’s influence was highlighted whenever absent, while Jordan Henderson continues to grow into his role as skipper-in-waiting.

RIGHT MIDFIELD: Aaron Lennon made a lively difference during his loan period with Everton although Aiden McGeady struggled with consistency. So, while he ended the season being jeered by his own fans, Raheem Sterling’s form on the flank makes him a shoo-in.

CENTRE MIDFIELD: Just about every attacking player had a go in this position for Everton, which is why Roberto Martinez is seeking a playmaker this summer. So, for the final time, having yet again been Liverpool’s top scorer, the place goes to their departed skipper Steven Gerrard.

LEFT MIDFIELD: Injuries to Steven Pienaar, Leon Osman and Bryan Oviedo and the form issues of Kevin Mirallas and Steven Naismith make this an easy choice, the place going to Liverpool’s player of the season Philippe Coutinho who, like Mignolet, was a revelation from the New Year onwards.

STRIKER: Given Liverpool essentially played much of the season without a recognised forward there can only one contender. Step forward Romelu Lukaku, who responded to a festive kick up the backside to reach the coveted 20-goal landmark.

SUBSTITUTES: Tim Howard, Seamus Coleman, Emre Can, Lucas Leiva, Steven Naismith, Aaron Lennon, Jordon Ibe.

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FA has been sweet this season

Arsenal, who are sponsored by Emirates and play at the Emirates Stadium, have now won for two years running a competition that will be called the Emirates FA Cup next season.

Hmm.

Such coincidences aside, this has been an FA Cup to remember that has breathed new life into the world's oldest knockout competition.

Mersey fans might want to forget their eliminations.

But Everton's dramatic third-round replay shoot-out defeat at West Ham United was one of the games of the season, while Liverpool's Wembley loss to Aston Villa was one of the more surprising semi-final results of recent times.

Still, it wasn't quite as shocking as Bradford winning 4-2 at champions-elect Chelsea while, on the same day, Middlesbrough won at Manchester City.

There are still gripes – the 5.30pm kick-off time for the final doesn't help travelling fans and the semi-finals should NEVER be played at Wembley – but the Cup has regained some of its old romance.

Now it's up to one of our sides to remember what it's like to get their hands on the famous trophy.

FIFA up to their Gills in trouble

Fair play to David Gill.

The former Manchester United chief executive was a good as his word when declaring he would reject a place on FIFA's executive committee if Sepp Blatter was re-elected as president.

“My professional reputation is critical to me,” explained Gill.

A pity certain figures at the governing body don't feel the same way.

FIFA has come in for a battering in recent years, particularly since the decision to, on the same day, award Russia the 2018 World Cup and Qatar that 2022 World Cup.

Blatter has always managed to sidestep any personal slights and, when it comes to politicking, has few peers in the football world.

By continually offering incentives to Asia and Africa, he knows Europe will never gain their wish to depose him before his reign of power ends.

Well, that's assuming Blatter doesn't become embroiled in the ongoing FBI investigation that has blown the lid off the shady dealings we've all suspected have gone on behind the scenes at FIFA.

The involvement of the Americans, though, has prompted one fear.

Let's just hope they don't insist on changing the name of the sport to 'soccer'.

Raf justice - but Benitez is now Real deal

Changing initial perceptions can be difficult. Especially if you're a football manager.

Consider this.

Rafael Benitez is commonly regarded as a coach who puts defensive solidity above everything else.

In 37 games this season, his Napoli side have conceded 50 goals in Serie A.

Brendan Rodgers is widely thought of as a boss who prefers to go on the attack.

In 38 games this season, his Liverpool side conceded 48 goals.

Of course, there are more strings to a manager's bow than how stingy their team proves.

And it's why Benitez is this week expected to be announced as Real Madrid's new head coach – while Rodgers continues to sweat over his Anfield future.

Now that's the spirit!

Social media may be in danger of taking over the world (in 140 characters) but it has at least brought footballers and supporters close together.

And if you haven't already seen the video of Liverpool players last week singing and dancing to the Kolo Toure song, please do so immediately.

WATCH: Liverpool squad celebrate Kolo Toure's new contract with a song

With Steven Gerrard yet again leading his team-mates, it hardly seemed like a squad that was lacking in spirit.

Perhaps those the departing Gerrard leads behind should channel such togetherness on to the pitch next season.