Liverpool v Man Utd: Paul Pogba and Zlatan Ibrahimovic make Phil Thompson's best XI

We challenged Phil Thompson to pick his best XI from Liverpool and Manchester United's squads ahead of their Monday Night Football showdown.

Jurgen Klopp's men go into the Sky Live clash ahead of their great rivals in the Premier League table, United two places behind in sixth having won just one of their last four games but bidding for their third straight win at Anfield.

But how many Manchester United players make it into the Liverpool legend's XI? Read on to find out who features in a 4-2-3-1 formation...

Thommo's tips

Find out what Thommo is tipping up at 30/1 for Liverpool v Man Utd here.

Goalkeeper

Manchester United win the first contest quite easily as David de Gea is one of their best players, whereas Loris Karius and Simon Mignolet are still battling it out for the No 1 spot. De Gea's turnaround after not going to Real Madrid has been an absolute godsend for United.

Defence

Both teams have their vulnerabilities defensively, as we've seen over the first seven games. However, James Milner has been absolutely brilliant since stepping in for Alberto Moreno so I'd rather have Liverpool's full-backs right now.

Luke Shaw might get in if he was fully fit and playing regularly but I'd have Milner over Daley Blind, while I'm a big fan of Nathaniel Clyne. 

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In the middle I'd pair Dejan Lovren with Chris Smalling, whom I can't believe isn't starting with John Stones for England. People have been talking about the next England captain and I would have thought he should not only be starting ahead of Gary Cahill but also considered for that role.

Central midfielders

I've gone for a 4-2-3-1 but this could easily end up like a 4-1-4-1 with the way Paul Pogba roams forward. I'd have him alongside Jordan Henderson, who would have to play a very disciplined role.

Attacking midfielders

Here's where Liverpool's real strength is and as offensive players they're probably the strongest attacking midfielders in the league. They are like the red arrows, the way they interchange with pace and creativity.

They get into what I call the magic zone - between the opposition's midfield and defence - getting into those really dangerous positions, with the quality to exploit.

I've gone for Philippe Coutinho, Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino but Adam Lallana is unlucky to miss out. Who from Manchester United would get in ahead of them? Marcus Rashford is obviously quick and has tremendous potential but he's only just breaking into their first team.

Striker

Daniel Sturridge has done okay but he's been in and out and I just think Zlatan Ibrahimovic is the biggest danger to Liverpool's defence. Him peeling off onto the far post against the likes of Clyne and Milner from set-pieces will be a real area of concern.

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