The biggest rivalry in English football will be reignited this Saturday as Liverpool travel to take on their bitter rivals Manchester United. Both clubs haven’t had the best of starts to the season and while traditionally they were the powerhouses of English football, that mantle has been taken away by Manchester City and Chelsea recently.
The clubs might not be on course to win the league this season but they have some good players in their respective teams. In the build-up to the huge clash, we provide a combined starting XI of the best players from the clubs.
David de Gea
The best goalkeeper in England might not have played a single minute this season but with his move to Real Madrid not working out, he could feature against Liverpool this weekend.
Luke Shaw
The left-back has finally hit top form this season and is the best option for this combined XI.
Martin Skrtel
The leader in defence for Liverpool, Martin might not have had a great time playing against West Ham but both clubs don’t have a dearth of great central defenders at the moment.
Chris Smalling
The English International has grown into his role at the back immensely. He is at the moment the best defender at LVG’s disposal.
Matteo Darmian
The right-back might be a new signing for United but he has been one of the most impressive defenders in the league and easily gets into this starting XI.
Michael Carrick
The maestro in midfield, Carrick might be on the wrong side of 30 but he still has a great game and would conduct the midfield very well for this team.
Morgan Schneiderlin
A new signing in United but one of the best defensive midfielders in the league, Schneiderlin has hit the ground running at Manchester United and comfortably should play in this combined XI.
Juan Mata
Discarded by Chelsea and reborn at United, Mata has become an instrumental player for them and cannot be left out of this team.
Philippe Coutinho
The mercurial Brazilian will miss out on the clash due to a suspension but he is the best attacker Liverpool have and is a great option in this combined XI.
Wayne Rooney
Rooney might not have scored this season in the league but he still remains one of the best players in the world and easily makes it into this combined XI for all his performances throughout the years.
Daniel Sturridge
When the Liverpool striker is 100% fit, there are very few who play in that central role as well as he does. Liverpool fans will be hoping he comes back to action sooner than expected and help get the club back on track.