Manchester United vs Liverpool: Combined XI

Manchester United vs Liverpool, at Old Trafford, kicks off this weekend's Premier League fixtures. The North-West derby is one of the biggest games of the season, duly noted in football fans' calendar as soon as the fixture list is drawn-up.

When they met earlier this season at Anfield, it resulted in a somewhat dull 0-0 draw. If Liverpool win this time, they will climb above United into second place. On the other hand, if United win, they will open up a 5-point gap going into the end of the season which will almost guarantee them second place.

With Manchester City having almost sealed the title, these two battle for bragging rights as well as second place in the table. In any case, there is never a need for external motivation when these two fierce rivals clash on the pitch.

Over the years, United and Liverpool have possessed an array of world class players in their arsenal. It is always a difficult task to form a combined team because so many top players will have to be dropped, but we gave it a a go anyway..

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Goalkeeper

David de Gea

de Gea has saved crucial points for Manchester United

Loris Karius has been constantly improving ever since he has been instituted as Liverpool's No. 1 by Klopp in January. He has pulled off some excellent saves in recent games and has provided some stability to the Liverpool defence.

However, David de Gea is arguably the best keeper in the Premier League and among the best in the world. Time and again, he has shown why he is rated so highly. He is leading the race for the Golden Glove this season, having missed out on it in the previous seasons.

A top goalkeeper saves crucial points for you and that is exactly what the Spaniard has been up to this season, yet again. It would be difficult to imagine United fighting for the Champions League places without him between the posts.

Defence

Robertson has been a revelation this season

Antonio Valencia, Chris Smalling, Virgil van Dijk, Andrew Robertson

It might be a bit of a surprise to see two Liverpool defenders in here given their defensive troubles this season but van Dijk and Robertson definitely deserve their place.

Robertson has been one of the bargains of the season so far, joining from relegated Hull City for a measly $10 million. Initially, he struggled to get into the team following Alberto Moreno's renaissance. But once the latter got injured in December, the Scot has been Liverpool's first choice left back and he has shown why with his consistent performances. His lung-busting runs to put pressure on the Manchester City players was adored by Kopites.

Ever since Virgil van Dijk's January move, the Reds have been a more solid defensive unit. Not just his footballing ability, Liverpool have also benefited from the Dutchman's superb leadership skills, something that they had been lacking in recent years.

Owing to an injury to Eric Bailly, Smalling has been United's best center back this season, with Phil Jones' inconsistent displays and Victor Lindelöf making too many errors. He has also chipped in with two goals, the latest to inspire a 3-2 comeback win against Crystal Palace.

Antonio Valencia, despite his age, has been among the best-right backs in the league. His pace has shown no signs of diminishing and his long-range goals have been a treat to watch. Trent Alexander-Arnold has been impressing for Liverpool in recent weeks, but Valencia's experience and consistency gives him the upper hand.

Midfield

Pogba needs to step up his game a notch

Nemanja Matić, Emre Can, Paul Pogba

Pogba has endured a dip in form after a brilliant start to the season. He has scored only three goals but has contributed 10 assists this season. Off-late, he has struggled to impress and has come under criticism for a string of below-par performances. But we all know that he is a top player and can produce a match-winning performance on his day.

Henderson and Oxlade-Chamberlain have been inconsistent and Wijnaldum has gone missing in matches on far too many occasions. Can has arguably been Liverpool's best midfielder this season. He has contributed six goals and five assists and has delivered against the big teams. His contract situation is yet to be sorted out and Liverpool would do well to keep him in the squad for next season.

Matić scored his first goal for Manchester United in the dying embers of their comeback-win against Crystal Palace on Monday. Although he hasn't been at his best consistently this season, he has proved to be a defensive rock in front of the back-four and, along with Can can provide the base for Pogba to roam further forward and wreak havoc in the opposition defences.

Attack

Salah has been in scintillating form

Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firmino, Sadio Mané

Romelu Lukaku and Anthony Martial have impressed in spells for United while Alexis Sanchez has been out of sorts this season. Meanwhile, the Reds' front three of Salah, Firmino and Mané have been breath-taking throughout the season and hence I have decided to go with the front three that have smashed in a combined total of 68 goals in all competitions this season.

Salah has been the signing of the season so far and is level with Kane in the race for the Golden Boot - with 24 goals in the league. His blistering pace and skills have been terrifying defenders consistently.

Firmino has enjoyed a somewhat break-out campaign this season, scoring 22 goals and assisting another 13. He had been performing all season but when Coutinho left, he was the man to step up, and has scored 15 goals in his last 19 starts. He does a crucial job for Klopp, dropping in to nick the ball off defenders and implementing the Liverpool press from the front.

Mané has recovered from injuries, suspension and stuttering form to scoring goals regularly yet again. With Salah scoring the bulk of the goals and Firmino finding the net more often, Mané has had the burden of goals lifted from him. He has still scored 14 and assisted seven.

Together, they can be trusted to score against any opposition with their pace, skill and incision.

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