Manchester United vs Liverpool: Combined XI

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.