This weekend sees Premier League giants in action with an almighty rivalry at Old Trafford, as Manchester United welcome Liverpool on Sunday afternoon (14:05).

Starting with the home side, The Red Devils have been in sparkling form since caretaker boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer took over in December. United have lost just one game under the Norwegian, a 2-0 loss to Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League, whilst securing 27 of a possible 29 Premier league points in that time.

Meanwhile, the Reds have given themselves a real chance of securing their first Premier League title. Jurgen Klopp’s men have been simply brilliant all season, currently sitting level on 65 points with Manchester City at the top of the league, with this mouth-watering clash their chance to go three points above the Sky Blues after 27 games each.

In the reverse fixture at Anfield back in December, Liverpool outplayed their rivals in a 3-1 win at Anfield. That result ultimately cost Joe Mourinho his job as he was sacked just two days after the game. Although there is 14 points separating the two teams, this will arguably be considered as the biggest game in the Premier League this season to date. United are the in-form team and with Liverpool on the brink of their first title, this old-rivalry should bring plenty of fireworks.

Ahead of this crucial clash on Sunday, Shoot! has put together our very own Manchester United-Liverpool combined XI…

Do you agree with our selection? Or, which player(s) do you think we have missed out?

Comment below with your tactical suggestions!

*The combined XI follows a traditional 4-3-3 formation and includes ALL players from either squad, regardless of whether they are injured or suspended in reality*

Goalkeeper: David De Gea (Manchester United)

Undoubtedly selected ahead of Liverpool’s Alisson Becker, United’s David De Gea is arguably the Premier League’s best goalkeeper, perhaps in the world right now, too.

The 28-year-old Spaniard clean sheet record is nowhere near as impressive as his Liverpool counterpart, but he has consistently put in top performances and showcased his amazing reflexes throughout the campaign.

Right-back: Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool)

 

What a talent this youngster is. At just 20 years of age, Trent (as he is affectionately known to Liverpool fans) has made the right back position his own this season.

The England international possesses bags of pace and a decent delivery on him, playing 24 times for The Reds so far this season.

Centre-back: Victor Lindelof (Manchester United)

Probably the most difficult decision of the 11 players. Liverpool youngster Joe Gomez was unlucky to miss out, as he was in fine form before his injury. However, Lindelof has been United’s best defender since Solskjaer has taken over, putting in some excellent displays.

The Swede seems to be finally finding his feet in England after a turbulent start to his United career. He’ll undoubtedly be one of the first names on home side’s team sheet on Sunday.

Centre-back: Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool)

A more obvious choice is Liverpool’s £75m superstar Virgil van Dijk.

The 27 year-old has dramatically improved The Reds’ backline since joining from Southhampton last January. The defensive rock has played in every one of Liverpool’s Premier League games this season.

Left-back: Andrew Robertson (Liverpool)

At left-back Andrew Robertson gets the nod ahead of Luke Shaw. Similar to Trent on the right-hand side, the Scotland international has made the position his own.

The 24-year-old has come on leaps and bounds following his £8m transfer from Hull City in July 2017. He provides endless energy down the flank for the Reds and has chipped in with six assists this campaign.

Midfielder: Paul Pogba (Manchester United)

Seems to be the ‘Marmite player’ of the Premier League, but in our eyes United’s Paul Pogba is a world-class talent.

The Frenchman has been reborn since the arrival of the new manager. Scoring an impressive nine goals and providing six assists since Mourinho left the club.

Midfielder: Georginio Wijnaldum (Liverpool)

Liverpool’s only man to make our combined XI midfield is Geroginio Wijnaldum.

The 28 year-old doesn’t get the goals and assists that Paul Pogba does, but the work he does for the team is invaluable. With the arrivals of Naby Keita and Fabinho, the Dutchman could have lost his place, but it has been quite the opposite, starting 21 Premier League games this campaign.

Midfielder: Jesse Lingard (Manchester United)

With plenty of players to choose from in both the midfield and attacking areas, we just had to find a space for United’s Jesse Lingard.

The 26-year-old provides bags of energy in both attacking and defensive areas and has the versatility to play in many positions. Lingard will be keen to add to his goal-scoring tally, scoring just three Premier league goals this season.

Left forward: Sadio Mane (Liverpool)

Moving into our formidable forwards, and we start with Liverpool winger Sadio Mane.

The 26-year-old, who fends off the likes of Anthony Martial, Romelu Lukaku and Alexis Sanchez of United, has scored four goals in his last four Premier League outings for Liverpool.

Mane has netted 13 goals in all competitions this term.

Striker: Marcus Rashford (Manchester United)

As well as pipping Romelu Lukaku to United’s central striker position, we have chosen Marcos Rashford ahead of Liverpool’s Roberto Firmino.

The 21 year-old was one of United’s only bright sparks under Mourinho this campaign and his performances have stepped up another level since being deployed centrally. He’s in-form too, scoring five goals in his last six league starts.

Right forward: Mohamed Salah (Liverpool)

And finally, how could we possibly leave this man out? Mohamed Salah. Liverpool’s main talisman.

The 26-year-old, was always going to struggle to keep up with last season’s unbelievable highs, but he’s still been excellent for The Reds this campaign.

the Egyptian sits at the top of the Premier League goalscoring charts alongside Manchester City’s Sergio Aguero with 17 goals.