RDA writers pick their Manchester United and Liverpool combined XI’s – do you agree?

Manchester United take on Liverpool today in one of English football’s most anticipated fixtures, but with the two sides experiencing such contrasting seasons who makes our Red Devil Armada writer’s combined XI’s?

Both of our site experts Ollie Slack and Ali Akbar picked their combined XI’s based on form and the current injury situation at both clubs. With Liverpool sitting second in the Premier League and United down in sixth it was a tough call to leave out so many Manchester United players.

Ali Akbar

Although de Gea is still the best keeper in the world, Alisson is definitely having the better season.

Liverpool’s defence has been infinitely better than United’s this season, but since Gomez and Alexander-Arnold are injured, Smalling and Dalot make the cut.

Liverpool’s midfield is their biggest weakness, which is why Pogba and Matic make the team, even if they haven’t exactly been great themselves this season.

Salah is easily one of the best players in the league, so his inclusion is a no-brainer. Firmino is also included ahead of Lukaku, as he’s the more complete centre-forward. However, I have to include Martial over Mane, as his goalscoring form has been outstanding this season.

Alisson Becker

Diogo Dalot, Chris Smalling, Virgil van Dijk, Andy Robertson

James Milner, Nemanja Matic, Paul Pogba

Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firminio, Sadio Mane

Ollie Slack

When comparing the two goalkeepers on form there is no doubting who is the number one. Alisson has been a revelation for Liverpool this season and has improved their defence tenfold. De Gea is still the best goalkeeper in the world though.

Trent Alexander-Arnold would start ahead of Ashley Young, however, with the Liverpool youngster injured Manchester United’s experienced full-back gets the nod ahead of emerging talent Diogo Dalot.

Chris Smalling has been in terrific form this season and a new four-year contract is richly deserved, starting alongside Van Dijk is a no-brainer, as is Andy Robertson.

If both in top form, Manchester United arguably have a better midfield than Liverpool, but the fact I’ve picked three Liverpool midfielders shows how poor United’s have been this season.

Mohamed Salah is a certainty. The form of Anthony Martial shouldn’t be questioned either, netting seven times in his last eight games. And finally, the inclusion of Marcus Rashford may surprise a few but he has registered four assists and two goals in his last four games and his starting to show some real consistency.

Alisson Becker

Ashley Young, Chris Smalling, Virgil van Dijk, Andy Robertson

Georginio Wijnaldum, Jordan Henderson, James Milner

Mohamed Salah, Marcus Rashford, Anthony Martial