sport news vs Liverpool combined XI: Who starts up front?

Manchester United face a test of their resurgence under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer when title-chasing Liverpool visit Old Trafford this weekend.

Liverpool can go back to the top of the table with either a draw or a win, while United can consolidate their top-four claims with Chelsea not in action.

Here Sportsmail selects who would make a combined XI from the two squads ahead of their meeting on Sunday...

Manchester United host title-chasing Liverpool at Old Trafford on Sunday afternoon

Liverpool can reclaim top spot with victory this weekend

Manchester United host title-chasing Liverpool at Old Trafford on Sunday afternoon

Goalkeeper 

David de Gea (Manchester United)

Alisson has made a seismic difference to Liverpool's defence, but David de Gea remains the best goalkeeper in the Premier League.

He was saving fewer than last season at the beginning of the campaign - though that record would have been almost impossible to keep up.

Now he is back to his best. If he recaptures the form that saw him make 11 saves to keep Tottenham out at Wembley last month then it could be a frustrating afternoon for Liverpool.

David de Gea remains the best goalkeeper in the league and starred at Tottenham last month

David de Gea remains the best goalkeeper in the league and starred at Tottenham last month

Right back 

Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool)

Right back had become a problem position for Liverpool in recent weeks with injury and the loan departure of Nathaniel Clyne, but they looked far more secure down that side when Trent Alexander-Arnold returned against Bayern Munich.

Bursting with energy and growing in stature, the 20-year-old is a far better defender now than the one who looked lost at Old Trafford last March.

Ashley Young has enjoyed a resurgence under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, but Alexander-Arnold's ability in the final third gives him the edge. 

Trent Alexander-Arnold has been missed in recent weeks for Liverpool after suffering an injury

Trent Alexander-Arnold has been missed in recent weeks for Liverpool after suffering an injury

Centre back 

Victor Lindelof (Manchester United)

Joe Gomez's continuing absence denies him a place in this XI, while Dejan Lovren is also going to miss Sunday's game.

Manchester United lurched from one defensive crisis to another at the start of the season, but have appeared far more secure since the start of the year.

Victor Lindelof has featured in 11 games under Solskjaer and is finally starting to look like the £30.7m signing United thought they had made in 2017.

Victor Lindelof is finally starting to look like the £30.7m defender United signed in 2017

Victor Lindelof is finally starting to look like the £30.7m defender United signed in 2017

Centre back

Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool)

Well rested after sitting out the midweek stalemate with Bayern Munich, Virgil van Dijk eases into this XI.

They coped admirably in his absence on Tuesday night, but Van Dijk adds a sense of aura that allows both himself and his team-mates to walk at 10ft tall. 

He has been the outstanding performer for Liverpool so far this season, going from strength to strength since arriving in January last year.

Virgil van Dijk has gone from strength to strength in the 13 months since he joined Liverpool

Virgil van Dijk has gone from strength to strength in the 13 months since he joined Liverpool

Left back 

Andy Robertson (Liverpool)

A strong shout for Luke Shaw, who has enjoyed his most consistent season at Manchester United and made by far his most appearances.

But Andy Robertson has been outstanding for

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