No Isak, Lammens in: Liverpool vs Man United Combined XI
Manchester United will face Liverpool in a highly anticipated Premier League clash at Anfield tomorrow.
The hosts have lost their last three games and will be keen to arrest their downfall.
On the other hand, United head coach Ruben Amorim will face tremendous pressure if his side suffers another humiliation at Anfield.
In homage to the heated rivalry between the two biggest English clubs, we look at the combined XI for this encounter.
We have selected only those players who are available for the clash and also kept their recent form in mind.
Combined XI: 4-3-3
GK: Senne Lammens
Alisson Becker would have been an undisputed starter but the Brazilian shot-stopper is sidelined with injury, as confirmed by Arne Slot.
Giorgi Mamardashvili and Senne Lammens have played one Premier League game each for their new clubs.
While Mamardashvili conceded two goals to Chelsea, Lammens helped United claim their first clean sheet of the season against Sunderland.
The decision was simple, considering the small sample size of one game.
Defence: Leny Yoro – Matthijs de Ligt – Virgil van Dijk – Patrick Dorgu
Yoro takes up the right-back spot as both Liverpool and United struggle with right-back/right wing-back problems this season.
The teenager has been brilliant at right centre-back role and will provide solidity to the defence.
His inclusion slightly limits the attacking width, but Patrick Dorgu’s energy on the opposite side balances it perfectly.
Milos Kerkez might have pushed for a place, but the former Bournemouth man is still finding his feet at his new club.
The Dutch pairing of De Ligt and Van Dijk looks perfect at the heart of the defence.
Unfortunately, the Netherlands manager Ronald Koeman does not seem to share that vision.
Midfield: Ryan Gravenberch – Alexis Mac Allister – Bruno Fernandes
Gravenberch takes up the number six role, where he shone for Liverpool last season.
Neither Casemiro nor Manuel Ugarte comes close to challenging the 23-year-old.
Alexis Mac Allister is an automatic pick as he works superbly well with the Dutch midfielder.
Liverpool fans may argue in favour of Dominik Szoboszlai ahead of Bruno Fernandes, but even Slot seems unsure whether to deploy him as a midfielder or a makeshift right-back.
Attack: Cody Gakpo – Hugo Ekitike – Mohamed Salah
The pendulum swings Liverpool’s way in attack, where their firepower remains world-class.
Gakpo and Salah start off the left and right wings to support Ekitike, who is chosen ahead of Alexander Isak.
It is only a matter of time before Isak shows his best form but Ekitike has already impressed with five goals in 10 games across all competitions.
Bryan Mbeumo deserves mention for his dynamism, but Salah’s status as one of Europe’s elite attackers makes him untouchable.
Stats from Fotmob.com
Article written by Sanidhya Bhardwaj .