Manchester United versus Liverpool is still seen by many football fans as the biggest game in English football and this weekend the fixture at Old Trafford has a bit of extra spice added to it.
Whilst both sides would still like to be competing for the league title at this stage of the season, Manchester City’s incredible campaign means that both are in a battle to finish second behind Pep Guardiola’s men.
If Liverpool can win at Old Trafford, they’ll leapfrog United into second place. A win for Jose Mourinho’s men, or a draw, will see them stay above their North West rivals.
With just two points separating them in the league, it’s fair to say there’s not much to choose between the two sides, but who would make a combined XI made up of players from the two squads?
Here’s what we think.
Goalkeeper: David de Gea
He’s the best goalkeeper in the world, isn’t he? An easy selection, despite Loris Karius’ recent upturn in form.
Right Back: Antonio Valencia
Trent Alexander-Arnold and Joe Gomez have both played well in Nathaniel Clyne’s absence but Antonio Valencia is better than both, currently.
Centre Back: Virgil van Dijk
The best central defender available for selection for either side, the big Dutchman has been excellent since joining Liverpool.
Centre Back: Eric Bailly
United’s defensive options have looked a bit shaky recently but Eric Bailly is a class player.
Left Back: Andrew Robertson
Nobody really batted an eyelid when Andrew Robertson joined the Reds but since getting his chance in the side, he’s been excellent.
Midfield: Nemanja Matic
Matic is very good at patrolling the midfield. The fact he can score thunderbolts from 30 yards helps too!
Midfield: Emre Can
Liverpool’s Emre Can is having a very good season and he’d bring some much needed dynamism to this midfield. He’s solid defensively and has the ability to arrive in the box to score. He balances this side nicely.
Midfield: Paul Pogba
Paul Pogba’s been in really poor form recently but I blame Jose Mourinho’s set-up and system for that. He’s never going to succeed playing deeper next to Matic but as an attacking midfielder with the license to get forward, I still think he’d be brilliant. He’s too talented not to be.
Left Forward: Sadio Mane
Alexis Sanchez is a world-class player but, like Pogba, he’s playing out of position at United and he’s suffering because of it. Sadio Mane, however, is having a productive season for the Reds, even if he has been a bit inconsistent at times.
Right Forward: Mohamed Salah
A no brainer, really! Mo Salah has 32 goals already this season and he’s likely to add plenty more between now and the end of the campaign.
Striker: Roberto Firmino
Romelu Lukaku has been in very good goalscoring form, but so has Roberto Firmino and the Brazilian simply has much more to his game than the Belgian does, so he gets the nod.