Manchester United vs Liverpool: Who makes the combined XI ahead of this weekend’s crucial derby?

Manchester United vs Liverpool: Who makes the combined XI ahead of this weekend’s crucial derby?
Sunday’s derby between bitter rivals Manchester United and Liverpoolat Old Trafford is live on talkSPORT and bears huge significance for both clubs.Jurgen Klopp’s men will be desperate for a win over their main adversary to retake their place at the summit of the Premier League.6

Solskjaer’s Man United host Liverpool on the weekend

While Ole Gunnar Solksjaer’s high-flying Red Devils are looking to continue their surge up the league table to cement Champions League qualification.You’d have been hard-tasked to select a single United player in the earlier stages of this season, but the resurgence of the Red Devils makes choosing a hybrid team ahead of this weekend’s clash a lot more interesting.So who makes the XI? talkSPORT.com has given their verdict on the team.

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Formation: 4-3-3

Goalkeeper: David de Gea

Although Reds goalkeeper Alisson has had a very good debut season in England’s top-flight, De Gea is regarded by many as the best keeper in world football at the moment.6

De Gea takes the GK spot over Alisson

As shown by his stellar display against Tottenham in January – where he made 11 second half saves in a heroic performance – the Spaniard remains at the peak of his powers and gets the nod over Liverpool’s Brazilian shot-stopper in the XI.

Defenders: Trent Alexander-Arnold, Virgil Van Dijk, Victor Lindelof, Andrew Robertson

Alexander-Arnold gets the call-up ahead of Ashley Young, who has been preferred at right-back for Solskjaer in recent matches.6

van Dijk is favourite to be named Premier League Player of the Year

Player of the Year frontrunner Van Dijk inevitably takes the first centre-back spot, while Swedish centre-back Lindelof takes the second space after producing a string of commanding performances at the heart of United’s defence in recent months.Scotland skipper Robertson, who has arguably been the most consistent full-back in the league this season, takes the spot on the left-side of defence ahead of Luke Shaw.

The big one on talkSPORT

Manchester United v Liverpool is live on talkSPORT at 14:05 on Sunday, February 24.

Midfielders: Ander Herrera, Paul Pogba, Georginio Wijnaldum

Pogba has been on sensational form lately and fills the first of the midfield trio with ease – having scored nine goals and added six assists in 12 matches under Solksjaer.Herrera also makes the side having enjoyed a new lease of life under his new manager.He was mightily impressive in his side’s 2-0 victory over Chelseaon Monday and often rises to the big occasion.6

Pogba has been sensational under Solskjaer

While Dutch midfielder Wijnaldum has been crucial to Liverpool’s successful league campaign this term and takes the third central spot.

Forwards: Mohamed Salah, Marcus Rashford,Sadio Mane

In a difficult pick, Mane gets the nod over Anthony Martial as the Senegalese has four league goals in his last four outings.Rashford is enjoying the best form of his career under Solskjaer and he is chosen over Roberto Firmino.6

Salah takes the right-forward spot of the trio up front

While the Premier League’s joint top-scorer Salah takes the final spot on the right side of the front trio without any qualms.Have a look at the line-up in full here…6

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