Machester United vs Liverpool Combined XI

 It's always difficult to make an accurate combined 11 consisting of players from any two opposing teams. The only criterion is that everything should be taken into account.


Luis Van Gaal’s Manchester United return to action after the international break as they will host bitter rivals Liverpool at Old Trafford, this weekend.


Both teams goes into this game on the back of their first losses of the season. Liverpool witnessed a shock defeat at home to West Ham for the first time since 1963 while united suffered a loss against Swansea.

Branden Rogers will be looking forward to his team to improve on their record of five defeats in the last six visits at the THEATRE OF DREAMS. Both sides have recorded similar record in their first four games.


The word ‘Grudge’ comes to mind when thinking of a game between the two most successful clubs in the EPL.


Here is my combined 11 of ‘the grudge’ match.


GOAL KEEPER: 

SIMON MIGNOLET: De Gae- a great shot-stopper and a precise distributor - would have been the clear winner here. However, it’s uncertain if LVG will put him in the starting line-up after missing the first few games, following his failed move to Madrid. In fairness, there is solid argument for choosing Romero who has performed well so far in the season. But Mignolet who has continued to improve at Liverpool takes the sport.


RIGHT-BACK:

MATTEO DARMIAN: This is a very close decision. Nathaniel Clyne has been a massive upgrade on Glen Johnson, he was particularly outstanding against Arsenal where he had a near perfect game. If it is possible to select two players for one position I would have chosen both Clyne and Darmain. I would have to opt for Darmian who has impressed greatly since his arrival at Manchester United.


CENTER BACK:

CHRIS SMALLING: Arguably the most improved defender in the EPL so far this season. This would have been a very close decision between him and Mamadou Sakho, but Sakho has been inconsistent to the point of losing his position to Dejan Louvren, who has been unconvincing.

CENTER BACK:

MARTIN SKRTEL: This is a very easy decision. Skrtel is imperious as Liverpool’s leader and what some people may call ‘monster’ at the back. His positional awareness and heading ability are a stand-out, although he has been inconsistent, he remain an easy choice against United’s Delay Blind who himself has been not doing badly.


LEFT BACK:

LUKE SHAW: Joe Gomes, like Clyne has been massive in the Liverpool full back position. Both sides are not, in my opinion, gifted by great full-backs. But I will have to choose Luke Shaw, his seemingly endless ability to sprint up and down the flank is surreal whilst his pace is blistering.


DEFENSIVE MIDFIELD:

MORGAN SCHNEIDERLIN: Henderson has grown to be one of the most influential players in Liverpool’s midfield. However, I have decided to go with Schneiderlin. He is a hardworking midfielder who is always trying to shield the back four steel and bite.


CENTRAL MIDFIELDER:

JAMES MILNER: Ander Herriera is a fantastic midfielder, with effortless passing ability. But I will go for the industrious James Milner. Milner’s gives Liverpool extra strength in midfield.


CENTRAL MIDFIELDER:

JUAN MATA: with Liverpool’s little wizard, Coutinho, ruled out, what would have been the toughest call becomes the easiest. Mata will be looking forward to a repeat of his Liverpool performance at the Anfield last season.


FORWARD:

MEMPHIS DEPAY: Depay is massively talented, the 2014/15 top goal scorer has had a good start to his Manchester United career. He continues to make the difference for United, creating goals and scoring some.

FORWARD:

WAYNE ROONEY: Rooney picks himself in the line-up. Although he has been increasingly inconsistent, the absence of Daniel Sturridge makes him an easy pick.


STRIKER:

CHRISTIAN BENTEKE: Another easy pick in a matchup that is short of star strikers


PREDICTION:

Manchester United 2 – Liverpool 0


Who will be in your combined eleven?