Liverpool v Manchester United: Combined XI
By David Gate
Center Back: Joel Matip
When I said the clubs have one and a half good defenders between them, this is the half. Joel Matip has not done much this season to earn a place in this XI. But then neither has anyone else.
The Cameroonian international has been the most consistent of the Liverpool center backs. Yet his form has dipped from his debut season with the club. He looked a sensational bargaining in 2016/17 after arriving from Schalke on a free transfer.
This year has been harder with his center back partners Dejan Lovren and Ragnar Klavan struggling badly. He has also been looking after Alexander-Arnold and Gomez at right back. Clowns to the left of him, youngsters to the right.
His talent and experience make him worthy of a spot in this combined eleven. Phil Jones has had a good year to date but he has not shown anything to believe that United actually want him there in the long-term.
A partnership of Eric Bailly and Joel Matip is actually a much better twosome than either team can field right now. They would combine well with strength, experience and technique to be a very dependable heart to this defense.