Combined Liverpool + Man Utd XI: Van Persie Starts So Where’s Suarez?

Manchester United welcome fierce rivals Liverpool to Old Trafford on Sunday afternoon and to commemorate the occasion I’ve decided to come up with my combined XI.

I’m going to base my selections on the basis that everybody is fit and available, and I’m sure it’s going to cause much debate among the rival fans….but that’s what this sort of thing is about. So lets gets started:

Goalkeeper: David De Gea (Man Utd)

The Spaniard is one of the best shot-stoppers around and excluding his gaff against Sunderland in the Capital One Cup, he’s been excellent for United. Simon Mignolet pushes him close, but just misses out.

Right-back: Glen Johnson (Liverpool)

This is arguably the weakest area of the team as both Glen Johnson and Rafael have been pretty inconsistent this season. I’m going to just give Johnson the edge as he’s proven himself to be a dangerous full-back when on form.

Left-back: Patrice Evra (Man Utd)

This is certainly Liverpool’s weakest area so Evra doesn’t really have much competition to go up against. The Frenchman’s influence at United is fading but he’s still a solid full-back and better than Enrique or Cissokho.

Centre-back: Nemnaja Vidic (Man Utd)

The Serbian is calling time on his illustrious career at Old Trafford this summer but he’s still proven himself to be an excellent centre-back. A real warrior and he’ll be truly missed at United.

Centre-back: Martin Skrtel (Liverpool)

Team-mate Daniel Agger pushed him close but the Dane’s inconsistent form this season has cost him a place in the team. Skrtel has largely been Liverpool’s first choice centre-back over the last 6 months and has been solid enough, despite the Reds leaky defence.

Central midfield: Steven Gerrard (Liverpool)

The Liverpool legend simply has to make the team. He’s been back to his best this season and has proven himself to be one of the best all-round midfielders in the Premier League.

Central midfield: Jordan Henderson (Liverpool)

As central midfield is a weak area for United, the only player really pushing for a place in the team is Michael Carrick but I’ve given the nod to Henderson after a sensational season from the former Sunderland man. His all-action displays have not only seen him win the hearts of the Anfield faithful, but he’s also broken into the England set-up and looks to be on the plane to Brazil. Never stops running and will give his all to the cause.

Right-wing: Daniel Sturridge (Liverpool)

It was almost a coin flip between Sturridge and Juan Mata but we had to give the place to the Liverpool man simply for his superb form this season. Mata would have walked in had he shown anything like his form of last year, but he was dropped at Chelsea and hasn’t really shown what he’s capable of yet since his move to United, whereas Sturridge has been bagging in goals for fun. Right wing isn’t his favourite position but he’s up against some fierce competition through the middle!

Central attacking midfield: Wayne Rooney (Man Utd)

This hasn’t been hist best season by any means but it’s almost impossible to leave him out. He’s still a world class talent and his versatility means he can play in the ‘hole’ with ease.

Left-wing: Luis Suarez (Liverpool)

Ideally we’d play Suarez through the centre but he’s proven he can be a handful out on the left too. In fact, he’s so good you could play him at right-back and he’d still be world class! The Uruguayan has been unplayable at times this season and has helped fire Liverpool to an unlikely title push. An easy choice to pick him.

Striker: Robin van Persie (Man Utd)

I couldn’t bring myself to leave out any of the star strikers, so I just thought I’d figure out a way to play all of them! Van Persie hasn’t been firing on all cylinders this season but with 14 goals in 22 games, he’s still one of the best around.

Here’s the team on paper:

So there’s my team. Five United players and six from Liverpool, which isn’t something you’d expect considering United are the defending champions, so it goes a long way to explaining where the two clubs are at right now.  Liverpool are a team on the rise, while United are in transition under a new manager and will no doubt rebuild this summer.

Agree with my team? What would your combined eleven be? Feel free to leave your suggestions below, and remember it’s all opinions at the end of the day…..