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Writer's pictureBobby Vincent

Liverpool vs Manchester Utd: Combined XI

It's perhaps the biggest game in English football - one of the biggest on the planet. Liverpool vs Manchester United has produced some absolute crackers over the years... we could be in for another one on Sunday.

World-class players all over the pitch; but trying to combine the two squads into one team, it's quite difficult. Well, we've had a go here... and with all of these - it will certainly divide opinion. Please let us know your thoughts!

 

GK: David de Gea (Man Utd)

This was a difficult one. Alisson has been the talk of the town over the last few days following his wonder save against Napoli late on in midweek.

But for me, de Gea clinches this one. De Gea has been one of the best in the modern-day Premier League.

His cat-like reflexes are unbelievable and he has everything a goalkeeper needs.

 

RB: Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool)

With the ageing Antonio Valencia - this was one of the easier picks of the team. We've gone with the fresh youth over the worn-out experience here.

Alexander-Arnold has been an almost constant presence in the Liverpool side since the start of the 2017/18 season. He's been excellent, too. Trent has proven he can do it against some of the most difficult wingers to face.

Leroy Sane pops to mind during Liverpool's Champions League run last season; where TAA marked the tricky and speedy German winger out of the tie.

 

CB: Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool)

The best defender in the league. I think he's shown that over the time he's spent at Southampton and now he's been able to showcase it to a bigger audience since arriving at Anfield.

Van Dijk is 100% the first name on Jurgen Klopp's teamsheet. He's become integral to this Liverpool side - making their defence turn from a very mediocre back-line, to one of the strongest in the Premier League.

 

CB: Joe Gomez (Liverpool)

Gomez has become somewhat of a figurehead in the Liverpool defensive line; forming an excellent partnership with van Dijk.

Unfortunately for Gomez, his injury record has been disappointing, and he's recently been ruled out for over a month with a fracture to the lower part of his leg.

His speed, awareness of his surroundings and his physicality makes him almost a mini-Virgil. Those two together could be a part of Liverpool's future under Klopp.

 

LB: Andy Robertson (Liverpool)

Robertson signed for Liverpool from Hull City for £8m. £8m. Eight million. The lad's become one of the crowd's favourites at Anfield.

He's recently been promoted to Scotland captain for his impressive domestic performances, also.

His ability up the field is matched by his defensive capabilities. It's very rare you see Robertson have a bad game... none really spring to mind.

 

CM: Paul Pogba (Manchester Utd)

Pogba gets a lot of unfair criticism, from the press, from fans, from Jose Mourinho. He's United's strongest player.

His attitude, undeniably, can improve. But his talent is again, undeniable. It wouldn't be too surprising if Pogba looked elsewhere in the future.

United should be doing everything in their power to persuade him to stay... he's a winner. And that's what United have had during their seasons of dominance. Winners.

 

CM: Georginio Wijnaldum (Liverpool)

This may surprise a few people. But people who watch Wijnaldum on a regular basis won't be surprised by this whatsoever.

His energy, and when given the license to, his attacking threat are both integral to the way Liverpool play.

He's part of a rare breed, too, of players who seem to excel in the games against the top sides. So, if Wijnaldum does start on Sunday - I'll be expecting a very strong performance from the Liverpool and Netherlands midfielder.

 

CAM: Jesse Lingard (Manchester Utd)

Again, this might surprise a few people. Lingard hasn't had the best start to this season. But his strong season last campaign was enough for his inclusion.

Last season, Lingard was one of United's strongest options attacking-wise and for England in the World Cup.

Once Lingard gets a goal, or an assist, or two... his confidence will rocket yet again and he'll be key to United's hopes of shooting back up the table.

 

LW: Sadio Mane (Liverpool)

The first member of the attacking trio is Mane. Since his arrival at Liverpool, he's been electric, albeit sometimes erratic.

I think Tuesday night showed the erratic side of Mane; sometimes lacking composure in one-on-one situations.

But something you'll always get with Mane is the unpredictability and the ability to ease past a man. Fantastic player and he'd get into most combined teams.

 

RW: Mohamed Salah (Liverpool)

This one is quite obvious. Salah's record-breaking campaign in 2017/18 ensured the Egyptian had set himself ridiculous and probably unreachable standards for this season.

Salah's had a fantastic week, though - scoring a first hat-trick of the season last weekend at Bournemouth; whilst putting his side through to the last 16 of the Champions League with his goal against Napoli.

Many fans, you see on Twitter, and Facebook, are doubting Salah's ability to do it against the so-called 'bigger' sides. This weekend would be a good time to prove it for the winger.

 

ST: Roberto Firmino (Liverpool)

Firmino completes the Liverpool front three and the combined XI's front three. Some readers may disagree with this - especially considering Firmino's drop in form this season.

However, the evidence of a world-class player is still clear to see. He needs to score more this season and he has been dropped a couple of times.

But if I was to choose Firmino or Romelu Lukaku - the answer is always going to be the former. He offers much, much more than Lukaku - who is undeniably a great talent. Firmino's all-round play is better, though.

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