This is the ultimate Liverpool and Man United combined XI

CB – Chris Smalling

It’s quite clear what Liverpool’s main issues are this season, and they could be issues that hinder their title challenge – they are not great at the back.

Dejan Lovren and Joel Matip are decent centre-backs, but I don’t think either of them are better than United’s Chris Smalling.

Although he took a lot of criticism in the early stages of his United career, the former Fulham man has grown into a solid and dependable defender at this level, and has been tipped to become club captain at Old Trafford in the future.

He’s one of England’s best centre-backs, and his developing partnership with Eric Bailly could turn out to be a great one for United.