Unarguably one of the best fixtures of the season is right around the corner. Manchester United have been scheduled to make a trip to Anfield this Monday night to battle their old-time rivals, Liverpool. If talking about the past, the Devils do have an upper hand in the game, but time never stops and right at this very moment, Liverpool are way ahead of United in terms of recent league form.
A stepping stone for both the sides, this fixture is unarguably one of those many games, which can set the tone for the rest of the season. Manchester United squad are in search of a much-needed motivation as they recently played a lowly 1-1 draw against Stoke, while Liverpool are flying high and bagging wins for fun.
Liverpool do have a thing or two to worry as a couple of their first team members might miss the showdown due to injury. Furthermore, United will be stepping on to the field to assert their long-lost authority so they won’t be an easy side to beat. Both the teams have some top notch players and it’s hard to figure out the best eleven, but here is our attempt:
Goalkeeper: David De Gea-
I guess, this was an easy choice for us. The Spanish shot-stopper hasn’t done anything extraordinary yet, but he is way better than both Karius and Mignolet. Both the Merseysiders are unfinished articles while De Gea is working at his peak, so an obvious candidate for the spot.
Defence: Valencia; Bailly; Matip; Milner-
An equal distribution in the defence is what we suggest here. Now, many might argue over the inclusion of Antonio Valencia over Clyne, but we certainly feel that the Ecuadorian has been a bright spot this season and is an inch ahead of Clyne. While talking numbers, Valencia has completely outnumbered Clyne as he has averaged a passing accuracy of 89% over Clyne’s 80% and has won 57% of his average duels, over Clyne’s 44%.
The centre-back pairing will be commanded by the African duo of Eric Bailly and Joel Matip. Yet again, Lovren’s spot is a debatable one, but Bailly has really picked up his momentum in no time and has shown some great ball winning skills. On the other hand, Matip has been a real wall as well. He had his nervous moments, but he eventually coped with it and has made it to our team.
The left spot will be occupied by none other than James Milner. The former Manchester City man has been a pure joy to watch so far and is an obvious choice ahead of Shaw/Blind.
Holding Pair: Henderson; Pogba-
Like defence, the midfield will also be shared by the members of both the teams. Jordan Henderson has been a gem for Liverpool so far and there is no chance of dropping him from the line-up. With him guarding the back four, Manchester United’s Paul Pogba will be streaming forward at times. Pogba is yet to hit his mark, but his exploits in the middle of the park have been worth praising.
The chemistry won’t be there, but that is expected as both the stars play for a different team with different philosophy.
Attacking Trio: Mane; Firmino; Coutinho-
A total domination in the attacking third by Liverpool. Very surprisingly, United have seen an utter failure yet again in the end product, while Liverpool have delivered some great goods so far. The right side will be commanded by the former Southampton attacker Sadio Mane, who has bagged three goals so far.
Furthermore, Roberto Firmino, who has been doing the job as a false number nine will be shifted as a number 10, where he can exploit his skills with relative ease. On the other flank, Philippe Coutinho will take charge using his magical skills. So, no signs of Lingard, Mata, Martial and Rashford.
Striker: Zlatan Ibrahimovic-
Sturridge or Ibrahimovic? Ask yourself.
The 35-year-old may have found it hard in the Premier League, but he is surely better than his counterpart. So an obvious choice for the spot.
