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Premier League Debate: Who would make a best combined Liverpool-Manchester United XI?
Which players are the best from these two bitter rivals?
| Bet: | Returns: | Manchester United £18.33 | Draw £35.00 | Liverpool £42.00 |
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| Bet: | Returns: | Manchester United £18.00 | Draw £33.00 | Liverpool £38.00 |
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| Bet: | Returns: | Manchester United £18.33 | Draw £36.00 | Liverpool £43.33 |
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| Bet: | Returns: | Manchester United £18.30 | Draw £36.00 | Liverpool £43.30 |
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| Bet: | Returns: | Manchester United £18.60 | Draw £33.00 | Liverpool £38.50 |
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19 Mar 2010 09:30:00
By Matt Monaghan & Neil Jones
When Manchester United and Liverpool clash on Sunday afternoon, several of the finest players in the Premier League will be going head-to-head.
As the two most successful clubs in England, Manchester United and Liverpool are littered with world class performers from front to back. Any one of them could change the face of the game with a moment of attacking brilliance or a stunning last-ditch tackle.
Combined, the two teams could have a first XI to combat any side in the world, which makes this weekend's clash all the more exciting.
With that in mind Goal.com UK has analysed the squads and selected a combined team, the match for any in the world...
Patrice Evra: Simply the greatest left-back in the world. The former Monaco man has forged a stellar reputation at the Theatre of Dreams. Is everything a modern full-back should be and a considerable distance ahead of Emiliano Insua.
Darren Fletcher: From zero to hero, the Scot has enjoyed a stunning transformation in fortunes in the last year. Injury to Owen Hargreaves and indifference to Michael Carrick has him first on Sir Alex Ferguson's team sheet from central midfield. A non-stop engine, desire to attack and 'big-game' mentality has him ahead of Javier Mascherano and Lucas.
Yossi Benayoun: Benitez has not had the best of luck with wide players, but in Benayoun the Spaniard made a very shrewd purchase. A slow start at Anfield, but the Israeli's creativity, adhesive touch and increased goalscoring prowess have made him a firm fixture in the side. Liverpool lack guile without him.
Agree or disagree? Should Jamie Carragher and Javier Mascherano get a mention? Or how about Ryan Giggs and Park Ji Sung? Goal.com UK would like you to tell us YOUR combined Liverpool and Manchester United XI - based on current, available players. We will update this article over the following days with the most interesting arguments...
It has certainly prompted a debate with readers, and here are some of your suggestions.
Many have been left scratching their heads at the exclusion of Javier Mascherano.
What? said: "Where's Mascherano? He's the one of best defending midfielders in the world. He's Argentina's captain - it's nonsense to talk without him."
There is also much support for Ryan Giggs too, with Stephen from london saying: "Swap Giggs for Benayoun. He's a living legend."
Some have remarked that if the team was picked on current form it would look a lot different.
David from London said: "Giggs for Benayon and Scholes for Gerrard. No way has Gerrard played well this season." While asd added: "If this was based on form about two Liverpool players would make it. Their squad reflects their position in the league table."
Rafa (no, not the real one) has been fair to both sides with his starting 11 of: "Reina; Johnson, Vidic, Ferdinand, Evra; Mascherano, Aquilani, Gerrard, Valencia; Torres, Rooney."
Paul in Manchester believes only four Reds are devilish enough for Sir Alex Ferguson's side: "There are four Liverpool players that would get in United's team. Gerrard, Torres, Reina and Johnson."
Ali from Kuwait, meanwhile, claims Edwin van der Sar should not be overlooked: "I think that Van der Sar should be mentioned, because of his excellent preformences, Reina shouldn't be the best of the EPL [as] he has too much learning to do."
Paul, this time from Belfast, is scathing in his assessment of the current Liverpool set-up: "To be honest not a single liverpool player would even make the bench, not good enough, their league position and Champions League exit only prove this further! No world class players in the Liverpool team."
Liverpool fan from Hamburg: "In my opinion Giggs is ahead of Benayoun but Mascherano is ahead of Fletcher."
Sones from Soshi believes a combined side would be capable of world domination: "If bitter rivalry were to be put aside (it wouldn't happen though), a combined team like that would probably win everything in Europe, esp a Torres and Rooney partnership. But I can continue dreaming."
Become a fan of Goal.com UK's Facebook fan page for all the latest news and insight into everything related to the beautiful game!
When Manchester United and Liverpool clash on Sunday afternoon, several of the finest players in the Premier League will be going head-to-head.
As the two most successful clubs in England, Manchester United and Liverpool are littered with world class performers from front to back. Any one of them could change the face of the game with a moment of attacking brilliance or a stunning last-ditch tackle.
Combined, the two teams could have a first XI to combat any side in the world, which makes this weekend's clash all the more exciting.
With that in mind Goal.com UK has analysed the squads and selected a combined team, the match for any in the world...
GOALKEEPER
Reina supreme | Pepe is No.1
DEFENCE
Nemanja Vidic: Forget his publicised struggles against Sunday's opponent, the Serbian is still a collosus amongst defenders. Obstinate and with an iron will to win, he will be determined to cement his reputation as one of the sport's greatest centre-backs.
Glen Johnson: Not many right-backs can fetch £18 million in the transfer market, but then Johnson is more than just a right-back. Pacy, with quick feet and excellent crossing ability, the former Chelsea and Portsmouth man has established himself as England's first choice, ahead of United counterparts Wes Brown and Gary Neville, and is already a favourite at Anfield.
Nemanja Vidic: Forget his publicised struggles against Sunday's opponent, the Serbian is still a collosus amongst defenders. Obstinate and with an iron will to win, he will be determined to cement his reputation as one of the sport's greatest centre-backs.
Evra reliable | A prince among full-backs
Patrice Evra: Simply the greatest left-back in the world. The former Monaco man has forged a stellar reputation at the Theatre of Dreams. Is everything a modern full-back should be and a considerable distance ahead of Emiliano Insua.
MIDFIELD
Antonio Valencia: With an end product to rival any winger in the Premier League, the Ecuadorian has been a great success at Old Trafford. With burning speed and deadly accuracy, his consistency of performance nudged him clear of Ryan Babel and team-mate Nani.Darren Fletcher: From zero to hero, the Scot has enjoyed a stunning transformation in fortunes in the last year. Injury to Owen Hargreaves and indifference to Michael Carrick has him first on Sir Alex Ferguson's team sheet from central midfield. A non-stop engine, desire to attack and 'big-game' mentality has him ahead of Javier Mascherano and Lucas.
Midfield masters | Benayoun & Gerrard
Yossi Benayoun: Benitez has not had the best of luck with wide players, but in Benayoun the Spaniard made a very shrewd purchase. A slow start at Anfield, but the Israeli's creativity, adhesive touch and increased goalscoring prowess have made him a firm fixture in the side. Liverpool lack guile without him.
ATTACK
Wayne Rooney: The Everton old-boy is on fire and in the running for the World Player of the Year title when the annual award is handed out. With 32 goals in all competitions, he will be determined to prove his quality on Sunday and show why he is the most feared striker in the division.Fernando Torres: What else can you say? Liverpool's goalscorer supreme, Torres has surpassed all expectations in reaching 50 league goals in record time. A one-man strike-force, blending pace and power with aerial presence and ruthless finishing. Fifteen league goals already this season, and he has spent plenty of it on the sidelines.
Thoroughbred | 'Nando can do
Agree or disagree? Should Jamie Carragher and Javier Mascherano get a mention? Or how about Ryan Giggs and Park Ji Sung? Goal.com UK would like you to tell us YOUR combined Liverpool and Manchester United XI - based on current, available players. We will update this article over the following days with the most interesting arguments...
It has certainly prompted a debate with readers, and here are some of your suggestions.
Many have been left scratching their heads at the exclusion of Javier Mascherano.
What? said: "Where's Mascherano? He's the one of best defending midfielders in the world. He's Argentina's captain - it's nonsense to talk without him."
There is also much support for Ryan Giggs too, with Stephen from london saying: "Swap Giggs for Benayoun. He's a living legend."
Some have remarked that if the team was picked on current form it would look a lot different.
David from London said: "Giggs for Benayon and Scholes for Gerrard. No way has Gerrard played well this season." While asd added: "If this was based on form about two Liverpool players would make it. Their squad reflects their position in the league table."
Rafa (no, not the real one) has been fair to both sides with his starting 11 of: "Reina; Johnson, Vidic, Ferdinand, Evra; Mascherano, Aquilani, Gerrard, Valencia; Torres, Rooney."
Paul in Manchester believes only four Reds are devilish enough for Sir Alex Ferguson's side: "There are four Liverpool players that would get in United's team. Gerrard, Torres, Reina and Johnson."
Ali from Kuwait, meanwhile, claims Edwin van der Sar should not be overlooked: "I think that Van der Sar should be mentioned, because of his excellent preformences, Reina shouldn't be the best of the EPL [as] he has too much learning to do."
Paul, this time from Belfast, is scathing in his assessment of the current Liverpool set-up: "To be honest not a single liverpool player would even make the bench, not good enough, their league position and Champions League exit only prove this further! No world class players in the Liverpool team."
Liverpool fan from Hamburg: "In my opinion Giggs is ahead of Benayoun but Mascherano is ahead of Fletcher."
Sones from Soshi believes a combined side would be capable of world domination: "If bitter rivalry were to be put aside (it wouldn't happen though), a combined team like that would probably win everything in Europe, esp a Torres and Rooney partnership. But I can continue dreaming."
Become a fan of Goal.com UK's Facebook fan page for all the latest news and insight into everything related to the beautiful game!
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