Manchester United vs Liverpool - A combined XI

With just 10 games to go in the current campaign, both Manchester United and Liverpool come into Sunday’s clash at Old Trafford with differing ambitions. Whilst the Reds are flying high in second place, competing for the title, United find themselves nine points behind fourth-placed Man City, having played two more games. With the chances of United finishing in the top-four becoming slimmer with every passing weekend, United will be hoping that victory over the old rivals will mark the start of a strong end to the campaign.

Both clubs have had plenty of players put in commendable performances over the course of the current campaign. So, who would get into a combined XI of both teams? That very question will be answered over the course of this article as a team of 11 players and 7 substitutes have been chosen, considering their form and availability.

This is how the team would look in a 4-3-1-2 formation.

Goalkeeper

David De Gea

Whilst Liverpool might have the best attack in the League, defensively they have looked far from resolute, having kept only eight clean sheets all season. And although the Red Devils haven’t looked great going forward, David De Gea has been a rock in goal. The Spanish shot stopper has kept 10 clean sheets this season and more importantly, is on a run of three-successive clean sheets going into Sunday’s clash. The Spaniard has also conceded four fewer goals than his counterpart Simon Mignolet and has come good whenever he has been called into action. Although there is not much in it, thanks to his superior stats, De Gea gets the nod in goal.

Defenders

Rafael – Phil Jones – Martin Skrtel – Patrice Evra

Unlike the goalkeepers, the defense is fairly straight-forward and three United players make it to the starting line-up. At right back, it is Rafael who gets the nod over Flanagan, but only just. Although the Brazilian has been out for a while through injury, he has certainly established himself as first-choice and United have struggled to cope with his absence. His tenacious tackling, coupled with his adventurous style of play make him one of the finest right backs right now.

In the center of defense, Phil Jones and Martin Skrtel form a combative and enterprising threat. Both defenders are adept at the art of not just defending, but scoring as well. Although Jones hasn’t played at center half too often this season, the imminent departure of Vidic has meant that he will finally get a run of games in his preferred position.

At left back, it is the Frenchman Patrice Evra, who has silenced his critics on numerous occasions this season and established himself as the side’s premier defender. His attacking exploits are well known and he already has a goal and three assists to show for his forays forward.