The erratic pendulum that exists between rivals Manchester United and Liverpool has swung back in the direction of Anfield this season.
Jurgen Klopp’s side are right in the hunt for the Premier League title, while Erik ten Hag is fighting for his job after the Red Devils’ terrible season to this point.
Hope isn’t all lost for United ahead of this Sunday’s visit of Liverpool though having ousted them 4-3 in their FA Cup meeting last month.
With both clubs suffering from injuries, a combined XI of fit and available players makes for interesting debate. Here’s the team we’ve picked.
GK: Andre Onana (Man Utd)
For the sake of the pro-Diogo Dalot argument, it’s best you don’t watch back his performance against Chelsea on Thursday.
Despite such a calamitous display at Stamford Bridge, Dalot has been one of United’s more reliable players this term. And yes, he’s lucky Trent Alexander-Arnold isn’t back yet.
CB: Ibrahima Konate (Liverpool)
Ibrahima Konate was withdrawn with a knock during Liverpool’s 3-1 win against Sheffield United on Thursday, but he’s expected to be fit for the trip to Old Trafford.
That’s just as well, because both sides have about one other fit senior centre-back apiece right now.
CB: Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool)
And now, a man who needs no introduction.
That’s you, Virgil.
LB: Andrew Robertson (Liverpool)
Much of Andrew Robertson’s 2023/24 season has been derailed by injury, but he’s starting to shake off that rust again.
The Scot capped off Liverpool’s midweek win with a fine assist for Cody Gakpo.
CM: Kobbie Mainoo (Man Utd)
If we’re being completely honest, there’s a really strong case for Wataru Endo to be here, and if anything the only factor keeping him out is the question mark over his fitness heading to Old Trafford.
Kobbie Mainoo deserves to be more than just an afterthought as an honourable mention, so it all works out for us in the end.
CM: Alexis Mac Allister (Liverpool)
Liverpool fans seemed perplexed by what exactly Alexis Mac Allister was during the first half of the season when he was largely tasked with playing as a number six.
His role has become much clearer in 2024 and he’s making a late run for a Team of the Season spot.
RW: Mohamed Salah (Liverpool)
Only Ollie Watkins (26) can boast more Premier League goal contributions than Mohamed Salah (25) so far this season.
Congratulations to Antony for finally getting off the mark in midweek, by the way.
AM: Bruno Fernandes (Man Utd)
Don’t mind me, just imagining a world where a direct yet dynamic midfielder like Bruno Fernandes ended up in the lap of Klopp and not the rotating cast of coaches over at United.
LW: Alejandro Garnacho (Man Utd)
United keep making a habit of overworking their talented young stars and labouring them with unhelpful older teammates.
Alejandro Garnacho, sorry that it had to be you. Keep shining, buddy.
CF: Darwin Nunez (Liverpool)
Oh, to be Pete Boc with all of the world’s Darwin Nunez stock right now.
The opening goal against Sheffield United which ricocheted in off his behind took the Uruguayan to 18 goals in all competitions this season. That doesn’t even factor in the chaos he brings to each and every game.
