Who makes our combined Liverpool vs Manchester United XI?

Alex Broun 01:08 14/10/2017
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  • With one of the games of the season – ‘the Red Derby’ taking place this weekend Sport360 has run the rule over the two likely line ups and chose their combined XI.

    With players injured for both sides we have only considered those players like to play at Anfield.

    STRIKER – Robert Firmino v Romelu Lukaku: this isn’t a true contest as Firmino is not an out an out striker but it has to be the United man – Lukaku.

    He is in absolutely devastating form this season scoring in his last nine games with seven in the Premier League. Odds on he will score at Anfield as well.

    VERDICT: Lukaku.

    Lukaku is more clinical than his Liverpool counterpart.

    Lukaku is more clinical than his Liverpool counterpart.

    LEFT MIDFIELD – Philippe Coutinho v Marcus Rashford: Rashford has been impressive this season but you have to go for Coutinho.

    His ability to score the big goal in the pressure moment makes him truly world class and as talented as the young English man is, even the most ardent Man Utd fan would opt for Phil.

    VERDICT: Coutinho

    Are there any United fans who would pick Rashford over Coutinho?

    Are there any United fans who would pick Rashford over Coutinho?

    RIGHT MIDFIELD – Mohamed Salah v Juan Mata: Salah has looked right at home for the Reds this season and of course scored a crucial goal for Egypt over the international break but Mata always does well against Liverpool.

    Salah also has a habit of missing some very good chances, although he converts some as well.

    VERDICT: Salah.

    Mo Salah has made an electric start to his Liverpool career.

    Mo Salah has made an electric start to his Liverpool career.

    CENTRAL MIDFIELD – Georginio Wijnaldum v Henrikh Mkhitaryan: Gini had some good moments last season but he has not re-produced them regularly this term, while Mkhitaryan has been a consistent provider for the United goal scorers with five assists, only one behind the leader in the PL – David Silva of City.

    VERDICT: Mkhitaryan

    Mkhitaryan has the chance to rise to Mourinho's challenge and produce in a big game.

    Mkhitaryan has the chance to rise to Mourinho’s challenge.

    HOLDING MIDFIELD – Emre Can v Nemanja Matic: What is so frustrating for Liverpool fans is they know how good Emre Can can be.

    On his good days he is like a lion, prowling around the midfield mauling anyone who dares to oppose him. But on his bad days he becomes as meek as a mouse, tip toeing around like the grass is razor blades, scared to get a toe in.

    It’s impossible to know which Can will turn up which days, and he suddenly switches mid-match as in the Europa League final two seasons ago. But against Matic it is usually the latter Can who surfaces.

    VERDICT: No contest, Matic.

    Matic has looked like one of the signings of the season so far.

    Matic has looked like one of the signings of the season so far.

    HOLDING MIDFIELD – Jordan Henderson v Ander Herrera: (To the tune of Mrs Robinson) “Here’s to you Jordan Henderson, Brendan loves you more than you will know oh oh oh.”

    The sometime England and Liverpool captain is a very nice young man – and I should know, I met him – but Liverpool fans just wish he was a better player.

    Always tries his heart out but more often than not, especially in the big games, it isn’t enough.

    Herrera is becoming more and more confident, solid defending and dangerous going forward – so it has to be the Spaniard.

    VERDICT: A close one but Herrera.

    Ander Herrera has experience in delivering a midfield masterclass against Liverpool.

    Ander Herrera has experience in delivering a midfield masterclass against Liverpool.

    LEFT BACK – Alberto Moreno v Ashley Young: Alberto Moreno has been very good going forward but unfortunately for Reds fans he’s been even worse than last year going back.

    Ashley Young was born in London and used to play for Aston Villa and Watford.

    There was even talk of him going to Liverpool once. Maybe the offer wasn’t big enough and that’s why he plays like the Terminator against the Reds.

    Young breathes fire and usually plays his best game of the season regardless of what has come before.

    VERDICT: How can you go for Moreno? Young

    Young has reinvented himself as a left-back.

    Young has reinvented himself as a left-back.

    CENTRAL DEFENCE – Dejan Lovren v Chris Smalling: To say Dejan Lovren is a capable defender is like saying a certain world leader is good at his job.

    Smalling might have his issues but Lovren’s attempts at defending are comical at best.

    Every Reds fan is nervous when ever the ball heads his way. Only there because Klopp could not get his hands on Virgil Van Dijk.

    VERDICT: Smalling.

    Smalling has shown he still deserves a place in Jose Mourinho's squad.

    Smalling has shown he still deserves a place in Jose Mourinho’s squad.

    CENTRAL DEFENCE – Joel Matip v Eric Bailly: This is a close one. Maybe the Joel Matip of last season would have edge out Bailly but sadly for Reds fans Matip has caught the Reds hesitancy disease and become just as tentative and mistake prone as his fellow defenders.

    The own goal conceded off Joselu’s left shin against Newcastle had everyone laughing, except Liverpool fans.

    VERDICT: Bailly.

    While Matip has regressed, Eric Bailly has developed impressively at United.

    While Matip has regressed, Eric Bailly has developed impressively at United.

    RIGHT BACK – Joe Gomez v Antonio Valencia: Maybe Joe Gomez might stand a chance, in three or four years. But for now you have to go for the experienced rugged Ecuadorian. He gets forward as well.

    VERDICT: Valencia

    Valencia has a legitimate claim to be the Premier League's best right-back.

    Valencia has a legitimate claim to be the Premier League’s best right-back.

    KEEPER: Simon Mignolet v David de Gea: Are you kidding?

    VERDICT: De Gea.

    Some of De Gea's best displays have come against Liverpool.

    Some of De Gea’s best displays have come against Liverpool.

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