Liverpool vs Manchester United – A Combined XI
Although, in recent years, this fixture might not have produced the kind of entertainment that the fans usually expect from the both sides, it still remains one of the most exciting games on the calendar.
While Jurgen Klopp will look to make a statement with a win over the Red Devils, Mourinho will be looking to put further pressure on Liverpool by grabbing all three points. Let’s take a look at who makes it to this star studded combined XI of two of the biggest teams in the Premier League.
Combined Playing XI:
Formation: 4-2-3-1
GK – David de Gea
The best goalkeeper in the Premier League, scratch that. The best goalkeeper in Europe has to start between the sticks for this fixture.
RB – Antonio Valencia
There is no way Matteo Darmian is getting a sniff of the right-back role in such a big fixture. Valencia has been extravagant in the position and will play an important part in stopping the dangerous Liverpool attack.
CB – Eric Bailly
Although he did not start the game against Crystal Palace, Bailly will surely be a part of the starting XI at Anfield on Saturday. The Ivorian has been impressive all season and will have a major task up his sleeve in stopping the LFC attack.
CB – Joel Matip
Perhaps the best defender in the Liverpool squad, the Cameroonian has been the only saving grace of the Reds’ backline. Klopp will not risk dropping his best defender.
LB – Andrew Robertson
A result against Manchester United is a must and Jurgen Klopp must drop the attack prone Alberto Moreno to the more balanced Andrew Robertson at LB. The Scotsman is coming off an impressive run out with his national side during the international break.
CM – Nemanja Matic
The Serbian midfielder will have a major role to play in the game and could be Jurgen Klopp biggest worry. The Reds will have to plan out a way to handle the lanky Serbian in the middle of the park.
CM – Emre Can
The German international scored a screamer for his national side against Azerbaijan earlier this week and will be looking to replicate something similar when he faces the Red Devils on Saturday.
CAM – Philippe Coutinho
The Brazilian has scored in all three previous appearances for the Reds and has looked scintillating since his return to the first-team. The little magician will look to get some love from the Reds fans by scoring a few against their arch rivals.
RW – Mohamed Salah
The Egyptian winger couldn’t have asked for a better start to his Liverpool career, with 4 goals and 2 assists in 7 Premier League appearances. He has been the club’s most consistent player this season and will look to do some damage to Mourinho’s side.
LW – Anthony Martial
The incredibly talented Frenchman seems so determined this season and has grabbed every chance he’s been offered by Mourinho. With 3 goals and 2 assists from 6 PL appearances (just 139 minutes of game time) this season so far, Martial beats the likes of Rashford and the injured Sadio Mane to make it to this combined XI.
ST – Romelu Lukaku
The big Belgian striker is scoring goals left, right and centre this season and is the leading goalscorer in the Premier League with 7 goals in 7 games. Lukaku will look to capitalise on Liverpool’s fragile defence.