The Biggest rivalry in world football behind all Spanish El-Classico is all set to thrill the fans on Sunday when Liverpool welcome Manchester United to the Anfield. Both clubs are aiming at a top 4 finish but are well away from their goals.
The teams have not been able to perform up to the expectations and have produced some below par performances over the course of the season. In this article, we will take a look at the combined XI of both the teams.
Goal Keeper:
David de Gea (Manchester United):
With hardly any competition from Mignolet, de Gea was an easy decision at the top. The Spaniard has produced some terrific performances to save Untied the blushes more than a couple of times and is an important player for the Red Devils.
Defense:
Nathaniel Clyne (Liverpool):
The Liverpool right-back has been one of the most consistent players this season for the Reds. He has provided great stability at the back and has been a willing player on the wing on the other end of the field.
Chris Smalling (Manchester United):
The most improved player this season for United, Smalling started the season in terrific fashion. He has a great ability to read the game and has worked on his defensive skills as he has now found a regular place in the starting XI under Louis van Gaal.
Martin Skrtel (Liverpool):
The Slovakian has been injured for quite some time now but has arguably been the best defender for Liverpool at the back. He is a strong center half who is never shy from a fight and just edges Daley Blind for a place in this XI.
Alberto Moreno (Liverpool):
With United using makeshift left backs due to injuries to key players, Moreno automatically finds a place in this team. But to be fair to the Spaniard, he has been full of energy running up and down his flank and helping his team out at both the ends of the field.
Mid-field:
Jordan Henderson (Liverpool):
The Liverpool skipper had a month and a half away from the game due to injury but is the most dynamic midfield player for the Reds. His range of passing and authority on the ball along with his relentless pressing finds him a place in this squad.
Ander Herrera (Manchester United):
Though not able to find a regular place in the squad, Herrera has often been a match winner for LVG’s side in recent games. The Spaniard is a dynamic player who handles the balance between defense and attack very well.
Emre Can (Liverpool):
The German mid-field power house at a tender age has had a superb influence on the Liverpool side under Jurgen Klopp. Can has been relentless with his pressing in the middle and has also at times come close to scoring important goals for his side.
Juan Mata (Manchester United):
One of the brightest stars for United this season, Juan Mata has impressed many times this season. He lacks the final ball under pressure but looks to make things happen every time he is on the ball. His eagerness to help his team out finds him a place in our XI.
Phillipe Coutinho (Liverpool):
The best player for Liverpool this season as well in attack, Coutinho has the knack of producing moments of brilliance out of nowhere and is always a player who is hard to pin down. He is arguably the most creative player from both sides.
Attack:
Anthony Martial (Manchester United):
The young French international has arguably been the best striker from both the teams. His movement and skill have done in many defenders as Skrtel learned in the first meeting between these two sides. Martial is an easy decision to lead our side from the front.