COMBINED XI: Liverpool/Manchester United

SillySeason name their combined XI ahead of Sunday’s game

Manchester United travel to Anfield on Sunday for their massive Premier League encounter with fierce-rivals Liverpool, and SillySeason have put together their combined XI.

United won the reverse fixture 3-1 earlier this season, and they also won during their last trip to Anfield thanks to a brace from Juan Mata. It’s the game known for Steven Gerrard‘s dismissal just seconds after coming on.

So with the two rivals set to do battle, here is SillySeason‘s combined XI.

Let us know what you think of the selected side.

Goalkeeper – David De Gea – Manchester United

This was probably the easiest selection of the team.

There is only one goalkeeper better than David De Gea in the world right now, and it isn’t Simon Mignolet, so that’s why De Gea gets the nod for our combined XI.

In all seriousness though, the Spaniard is one of the greatest ‘keepers in world football right now and compared to the error-prone Mignolet, it’s an easy choice.

Defenders

Right-Back – Nathaniel Clyne – Liverpool

This would have been a harder choice if Matteo Darmian continued his fine form from the start of the season.

However, after being torn apart by Alexis Sanchez at the Emirates Stadium, the Italian hasn’t been himself in recent weeks, and that’s why Nathanial Clyne gets the nod.

Brilliant going forward and reliable at the back.

Clyne is a solid choice for right-back.

Centre-Back – Chris Smalling – Manchester United

In previous seasons, Chris Smalling would have struggled to make many combined XI’s, but he’s been brilliant so far this season.

The England international has become one of Louis van Gaal’s most important men, and despite not knowing his first-name, he’s reliant on the centre-back.

Smalling has finally shown his potential and why United splashed the cash on him a few years ago.

He’s turning into a leader among a very inexperienced back-line.

Centre-Back – Martin Skrtel – Liverpool

It was a toss-up between two Liverpool defenders. Mamadou Sakho or Martin Skrtel.

However, we’ve gone with the latter just for his experience in the Premier League and in the big matches such as Manchester United vs Liverpool.

Both are known for making errors and lapses of concentration, but with United not having a suitable centre-back other than Smalling, it had to be one or the other.

Left-Back – Alberto Moreno – Liverpool

If Luke Shaw was fit, then he’d certainly be taking this spot, but because he’s missed the majority of the season due to a broken leg, it seemed harsh to select him.

Due to that, we’ve had to select Alberto Moreno at left-back.

The Spaniard still has a lot to improve in his game, but under Jurgen Klopp he’s slowly improving.

He just needs to find the right balance between defence and attack.

Midfield

Centre-Mid – Jordan Henderson – Liverpool

Another Liverpool player who’s really growing into a top talent.

Eyebrows were raised when they spent £20million on him, and it’s taken him time to repay that fee, but he’s now a valued first-team member for the Reds.

Seen as the Steven Gerrard replacement, Henderson has a massive future at Anfield and his absence has been truly testing Jurgen Klopp’s men.

Returned mid-week though from the injury and now looks ready to guide Liverpool to a top-four spot.

Centre-Mid – Morgan Schneiderlin – Manchester United

Although he’s not truly shown his best form in a Manchester United shirt, there is no doubting Morgan Schneiderlin’s ability.

He goes in our team alongside Henderson, just taking the spot off team-mates Michael Carrick and Bastian Schweinsteiger.

The Frenchman showed his real ability at Southampton, and his knowledge of the game and ability to intercept the play makes him a crucial part in the heart of the midfield.

Him alongside Henderson would be a great partnership.

Right Attacking Mid – Jesse Lingard – Manchester United

This one was quite a tricky pick, but we think Jesse Lingard has had a great campaign for Manchester United.

Memphis Depay has failed to impress, Juan Mata is in-and-out of the team and Liverpool don’t really have a natural winger in their squad these days apart from Jordan Ibe.

Lingard has scored some crucial goals for Louis van Gaal and his pace on the counter-attack is vital for United, especially during away games.

Scored a lovely goal against Newcastle United in mid-week as well.

Centre Attacking Mid – Philippe Coutinho – Liverpool

Not sure many will argue with this pick.

On his day, Philippe Coutinho is sensational to watch. His passing, dribbling, finishing and overall play is just fantastic.

Sadly he’ll miss the United game through injury, but if he’s fit, he’d made the combined XI any day of the week.

Slight criticism is that maybe he should be more consistent with the goals.

Left Attacking Mid – Adam Lallana – Liverpool

Once again we were struggling to pick a winger, so we’ve added a work-horse into our team.

Might not be a natural winger or that special as a player, but no-one can fault his work ethic and his commitment to Liverpool.

Adam Lallana can produce moments of brilliance, but if he wants to be considered a top player, he needs to find consistency and needs to get among the goals a lot more often.

Still, every team needs a work-horse and this guy is ours.

Striker – Anthony Martial – Manchester United

Not sure how teams like Manchester United and Liverpool don’t have one world-class striker between them.

Wayne Rooney is on the decline, Daniel Sturridge is always injured and can’t be picked and Christian Benteke is just not suited to Liverpool.

Process of elimination, up steps teenager Anthony Martial.

To be fair to the lad, if Louis van Gaal played him in his natural position, he might do well, but he’s been deployed on the winger too many times which has stunted his growth and development.

Get Martial up front and his pace will cause havoc.

 

So there is our combined XI.

I’m sure many will disagree, but lets hear yours in the comments!

Written by Alex Batt – @AlexBatt