This weekend’s Premier League action kicks off with an almighty rivalry at Old Trafford, as Manchester United welcome Liverpool on Saturday afternoon (12:30).

The Red Devils, who came from 2-0 down in the second-half, to defeat Crystal Palace 3-2 in the dying embers of the game at Selhurst Park on Monday night, sit just two points clear of tomorrow’s opponents in second spot.

Meanwhile The Reds, who advanced to the quarter-finals of the UEFA Champions League, despite drawing 0-0 at home to FC Porto on Tuesday night, are unbeaten in their last five league outings, including three wins on the bounce.

In the reverse fixture at Anfield, back in October, these two rivals played out a goalless bore draw on Merseyside, but with the stakes higher this time round at this stage of the season, with the runners-up place up for grabs this weekend, expect a more attack-minded approach from both sets of players.

Champions-elect Manchester City are more or less out of sight now, holding a huge 16-point lead prior to kick-0ff, with just 27 points left to play for this campaign.

Ahead of this crucial clash on Saturday, 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 Simon Mignolet and Loris Karius, despite his recent upturn in form, United’s David De Gea is arguably the Premier League’s best goalkeeper, perhaps in the world right now, too.

The 27-year-old Spaniard has recorded 15 clean sheets in 29 league appearances this season, and showcased his amazing reflexes with another world-class stop to deny a header from Christian Benteke on Monday night.

Right-back: Antonio Valencia (Manchester United)

The first full-back named is United’s Antonio Valencia, who has become a superb right-back for The Red Devils, despite primarily being a winger.

The 32-year-old still possesses bags of pace and a decent delivery on him, having scored three goals in 29 games in all competitions this term.

Centre-back: Eric Bailly (Manchester United)

United’s best defender overall, Eric Bailly, is our first centre-half selected in our combined XI.

The 23-year-old has recently made his return from an ankle injury, featuring against Chelsea in United’s 2-1 win at Old Trafford, but was left on the bench during Monday’s comeback at Crystal Palace.

Ivory Coast international Bailly has netted one goal in 12 outings overall this campaign.

Centre-back: Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool)

Liverpool’s first player to feature in our combined XI is their £75m January addition Virgil van Dijk.

The 26-year-old is gradually improving The Reds’ backline, having scored one goal in eight games for Jurgen Klopp’s side, following his New Year switch from Southampton.

Left-back: Andrew Robertson (Liverpool)

At left-back, squeezing in ahead of United’s Ashley Young, another primary winger starring as a full-back, is Liverpool’s Andrew Robertson.

Largely underrated, the 23-year-old has come on leaps and bounds following his £8m transfer from Hull City last July, following a sticky start to life at Anfield.

The Scottish defender has provided two assists in 19 appearances in all competitions for Liverpool this season, and has started the club’s last seven Premier League matches.

Midfielder: Paul Pogba (Manchester United)

Slump in form? Agreed. But that doesn’t tarnish or take away the world-class talent of United’s Paul Pogba.

The 24-year-old, who is the club’s record buy at around £89m, has scored three goals and provided 10 assists for The Red Devils in all competitions this season.

But Pogba’s future has been thrown into doubt recently, after being dropped against Huddersfield Town (twice) and Sevilla last month, but the attacking midfielder played the full 90 minutes in his side’s 3-2 win at Palace on Monday.

Midfielder: Emre Can (Liverpool)

Liverpool’s only man to make our combined XI midfield is Emre Can, whose own future is in doubt.

The 24-year-old is expected to leave Anfield at the end of the season, upon the expiry of his contract, with Serie A champions Juventus reportedly favourites to land his signature.

Can, who has 20 international caps for Germany, has scored six goals and provided five assists this term for Liverpool, and will be sorely missed beyond this summer, unless he unexpectedly puts pen to paper on a new Reds deal.

Midfielder: Nemanja Matic (Manchester United)

Following his wonderful winner in injury-time at Crystal Palace on Monday night, United’s Nemanja Matic rounds off our strong midfield pack.

The 29-year-old finally opened his goalscoring account for Jose Mourinho’s side on his 38th appearance for the club earlier this week, seeing United leapfrog Liverpool back into second spot ahead of tomorrow’s tie.

Right forward: Sadio Mane (Liverpool)

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

The 25-year-old, who fends off the likes of Anthony Martial, Romelu Lukaku and Alexis Sanchez of United, has scored five goals in his last four outings for Liverpool, including a hat-trick against FC Porto in the UEFA Champions League.

Mane has netted 14 goals and registered seven assists overall this term.

Centre forward: Roberto Firmino (Liverpool)

Budging Romelu Lukaku out of the way to spearhead our attack is The Reds’ Roberto Firmino.

The Brazilian, 26, is undoubtedly relishing his most prolific spell in front of goal for Liverpool, finding the back of the net 22 times in 40 outings this season.

Left forward: Mohamed Salah (Liverpool)

And finally, how could we possibly leave this man out? Mohamed Salah. The Premier League’s signing of the season.

The 25-year-old, who arrived at Anfield back in June 2017 following his reported £34m move from AS Roma, has scored a sensational 32 goals and provided 11 assists in just 39 games in all competitions this campaign.

Before Tuesday night’s appearance against FC Porto, Salah found the back of the net in his last seven Liverpool outings in succession, netting eight times.