With four games left of the season, it’s crunch time heading into matchweek 35. Liverpool are gearing up to face Manchester United at Old Trafford and it’s all to play for. United currently sit in third place, directly above Liverpool in the Premier League table.
The two sides are three points apart, though they have won the same number of games. Despite injuries mounting between both clubs, it will come down to these last few games to see which team is able to claim the ‘best of the rest’ prize outside of the mouthwatering title race.
According to stats boffins SofaScore, the bitter northwest rivals have little to separate them – with five Anfield stars and six United players featuring in this combined XI heading into Sunday’s clash.
Goalkeeper: Senne Lammens (MNU)
SofaScore: 6.97/10
With Alisson and Mamardashvili injured, the only sensible choice is Manchester United’s Senne Lammens. The Belgian ranks way above remaining Liverpool goalkeeper Freddie Woodman. Though Woodman was influential in the outcome in the game against Crystal Palace for his league debut, the experience that Lammens brings to the field just pips the Englishman to the post.
Lammens is currently dominating over an inexperienced Woodman. The latter may prove that statement wrong, but we’ll have to wait and see. The Belgian has recorded six clean sheets this season for Manchester United and – according to our United reporter Nathan Salt – is the value money signing of the season.
Senne Lammens has been one of the best signings of the season for Manchester United
Centre Back – Virgil Van Dijk (LIV)
SofaScore: 7.26/10
Perhaps the strongest defensive contender from either of the two sides, Virgil Van Dijk has put on an astounding defensive display across the season so far. His pitch heat map is a flare of red across the entire left side highlighting his dominance over the field. In his own half, Van Dijk has been successful in 96 per cent of his passes.
He has been a key player for Liverpool this season, having featured in all 34 games so far. Van Dijk has played 90 minutes or more across all league games, as well as in Liverpool’s Champions League games. That means he’s played at least 4,140 minutes across the two campaigns. Impressive. Van Dijk remains strong in his preferred position of centre back.
Right Centre Back – Ibrahima Konate (LIV)
SofaScore: 7.12/10
While Konate’s had a quiet season by his lofty standards, there is strength in silence. The 26-year-old is reportedly only weeks away from signing a contract extension with Liverpool, but the future of said deal is uncertain. He’ll want to make strong impressions over the next few weeks until it’s all written down and signed on the dotted line.
He’s made 1,936 passes with an 89 per cent completion rate in the league this season. Konate has won 201 duels with 112 of those being in the air. He’s made 50 tackles, 27 interceptions, and 22 blocks. Not too shabby.
Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate occupy two of the central three defensive positions
Left Centre Back – Luke Shaw (MNU)
SofaScore: 6.67/10
’Ol reliable. Luke Shaw is a long-time name on these lists. The 30-year-old is a 12-year Manchester United veteran and is well loved by fans. He’s appeared in the starting lineup every game this season for the Red Devils.
Though his performance has been marred with repetitive injuries across his career, Shaw’s strength comes in the box with 152 duels won this season. He keeps a strong position in the back three, the only United player to make the defensive lineup. Though preferring a more midfield type of defensive roles he now plays all the way up the length of pitch, ready to help a teammate in need. A true squad leader.
Luke Shaw joins the Liverpool pair having shown impressive consistency for United
CDM – Ryan Gravenberch (LIV)
SofaScore: 7.07/10
The first of two Liverpool midfielders alongside Dominic Szoboszlai, Gravenberch has been progressing quietly over the last couple of seasons. Originally playing in a more front facing role, under the tutelage of manager Arne Slot he moved further back into a deeper midfield position.
The 23-year-old is able to subvert the ball around opposition players and is a versatile midfielder with the ability to excel both offensively and defensively. He has the ability to play with a sense of freedom, which is becoming rarer with the meteoric rise of set piece usage. His 6ft 2in stature also allows him to become physically imposing on the pitch when necessary.
CDM – Casemiro (MNU)
SofaScore: 7.22/10
Casemiro is one of the hottest midfielders on everyone’s mind, coming in right behind teammate Bruno Fernandes. The 34-year-old picked up Premier League player of week for matchweek 34. It is the second time this season he’s picked up this award. His first came in matchweek 24 after he put in an impressive performance against Fulham.
Casemiro can be a dangerous opponent on the pitch, which he demonstrated in the game against Brentford on 27th April. He has the ability to turn into an attacking threat at a moments notice, especially from long balls and set pieces.
Casemiro is Michael Carrick’s renaissance man as he makes a stunning United swansong
Attacking midfield – Dominik Szoboszlai (LIV)
SofaScore: 7.18/10
Szoboszlai has completed 88 per cent of his impressive 1,988 passes over 2,873 mins. That’s an average of over 62 passes per game played (32). He’s racked up five goals and four assists so far this season.
His presence on the pitch is electric. Szoboszlai is everywhere. The midfielder has achieved a top speed of 34.49km/h in the Champions League. His top speed in the Premier League is even faster, reaching a speed of 36.76km/h. That’s the fastest speed for a home player at Anfield, as well as making him the third fastest player in the league.
Attacking midfield – Bruno Fernandes (MNU)
SofaScore: 7.55/10
Bruno Fernandes is the highest rated player on this list, and for good reason. There are many, many things that could be said about the quality of the man that is sure to become a club legend.
This season has been highly prolific for the Portuguese midfielder. In March 2026, he broke the Manchester United record for most assists in a single season, beating David Beckham’s record of 15 in 1999-2000 by one. The month before, he became the club’s second fastest player to reach 200 goal contributions, nabbing 104 goals and 96 assists since joining in January 2020.
Bruno Fernandes is in with a shout of being named the player of the season
Forward – Matheus Cunha (MNU)
SofaScore: 7.05/10
The self-described ‘maverick’ is a highly instinctive centre forward with an attacking fire. Cunha has fought his way into the combined XI, taking on the role of primary striker.
His abilities are certainly not in doubt. He’s made Premier League team of the week twice this season. He’s got a samba style where he dances through defenders. Cunha has scored eight goals this season since joining the club in the summer following a successful season with Wolverhampton Wanderers in which he scored 15 Premier League goals.
Left wing – Cody Gakpo (LIV)
SofaScore: 6.95/10
Though a divisive one for many, Cody Gakpo has certainly found his home under the helm of Arne Slot. Gakpo joins some of his Dutch teammates in this line up. He slots into this formation in a left-wing position. He regularly tends to drift the top left corner of the pitch, preferring to play the ball around the penalty box.
He is one of Liverpool’s faster players, often choosing to use his right foot to cut inside with the ball. He can also jump into a centre-forward position to support his teammates when needed. He’s scored a combined 11 goals and assists this season, highlighting his place in the squad.
Cody Gakpo is the only Liverpool star to occupy an attacking position in this XI
Right wing – Amad Diallo (MNU)
SofaScore: 6.92/10
Amad Diallo is only a few months back from his AFCON campaign with Côte d’Ivoire, scoring against South Korea. In only 28 appearances, Diallo has scored two goals and assisted three more.
The 23-year-old excels on the right wing, often putting his strong dribbling ability to use. He has carried the ball over 153m across the league, preferring to remain tight to his preferred right wing and closer to the centre line. He has a great ability to be played through and could be a key swing player to exploit Liverpool’s midfield if they’re not careful.
Both Liverpool and Manchester United have the ability to be formidable sides but only one will prevail. Between injuries both teams lack squad depth, but United are marginally more affected. How this plays out for either team is yet to be decided.
It’ll be a six-point game in the tie for third, but who will come out victorious?
