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.

Onana has stepped up / Visionhaus/GettyImages

Let's be very clear - if Alisson was fit, he would unquestionably take this place.

Alas, the Brazilian is still working his way back from injury, meaning the goalkeeper spot falls into the grateful lap of Andre Onana, who has at least returned to form in recent months after such a slow start to life at United.

Dalot's reaction to getting the nod for this selection / Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/GettyImages

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.

Konate has quietly gone about his business / Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/GettyImages

Ibrahima Konate was withdrawn with a knock during Liverpool's 3-1 win against Sheffield United on Thursday, but he's expected to be fit for the trip to Old Trafford.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.

Van Dijk is obviously in the team / Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/GettyImages

And now, a man who needs no introduction.

...

That's you, Virgil.

If you squint, it looks like the Jordan logo / PAUL ELLIS/GettyImages

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.

Mainoo has been a shining light for Man Utd this year / Marc Atkins/GettyImages

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.

One of the signings of the season / Chris Brunskill/Fantasista/GettyImages

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.

Salah has maintained his standards this year / Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/GettyImages

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.

Who else is going to moan at the referee? / Robin Jones/GettyImages

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.

Man Utd's starboy / Catherine Ivill - AMA/GettyImages

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.

Who else is going to score with their backside? / Chris Brunskill/Fantasista/GettyImages

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.

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