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Phil Thompson picks a Liverpool and Manchester United combined XI

Liverpool legend Phil Thompson (Reuters)
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Liverpool host Manchester United at Anfield tonight.

Manchester United's David de Gea reacts

Former Liverpool defender Phil Thompson has picked a Liverpool and Manchester United combined XI for Sky Sports ahead of tonight’s clash between the two teams .

Liverpool host their fierce rivals at Anfield this evening in one of the most anticipated meetings between the two for a number of years.

A win could take Jurgen Klopp’s side joint top of the Premier League table while a win for the away team can move them up into the top four.

It should prove to be a fascinating encounter between two sides packed full of talent and Sky Sports gave Thompson the tough task of picking a combined XI.

Liverpool's James Milner celebrates scoring their second goal

The easiest choice was in goal as he went with David de Gea ahead of Simon Mignolet or Loris Karius.

The defence is dominated by Liverpool as he elects to pick Nathaniel Clyne, James Milner and Dejan Lovren in his back four.

Chris Smalling is in alongside the Croatian at centre-half, with Thompson claiming that he should not only be starting ahead of Gary Cahill but also considered for that role for England.

Liverpool's Philippe Coutinho celebrates scoring their fourth goal

In central midfield, it is Jordan Henderson and Paul Pogba, while it is Liverpool’s attacking midfield trio of Philippe Coutinho, Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino ahead of them.

Up front Thompson elects to go with Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who he claims “is the biggest threat to Liverpool’s defence.”

Manchester United's Zlatan Ibrahimovic