Liverpool-Manchester United combined XI: Phil Thompson's pick

Phil Thompson has picked his best XI from Liverpool and Manchester United's sides ahead of their Super Sunday showdown at Anfield.

With both sides having their fair share of injuries the Soccer Saturday pundit has picked what he regards as the best XI from the current squads if everyone was fit - but admits the shortage of quality in either side made his team selection difficult.

The Anfield legend has named six United players in his team but there's no place for Germany World Cup winner Bastian Schweinsteiger or Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge.

Defence

David de Gea goes in goal. Then, at the back I've got Nathaniel Clyne on the right, Martin Skrtel alongside Chris Smalling and Daley Blind on the left. Clyne and Smalling pick themselves. Smalling is certainly United's best and most consistent defender and would be one of the first on the team sheet. His form this season has been excellent. He has great pace and power and I think he's nailed down his place in England's Euro 2016 squad - he's that good.

Left-back was a bit of an issue as both sides have had their problems in this position. United have tried a number of players since Luke Shaw's injury, Marcos Rojo and Matteo Darmian, while Liverpool are trying Alberto Moreno since Joe Gomez's injury. It's problem position so I've gone for Daley Blind. He's played there for United and is a jack of all trades and would do a job.

Midfield

In midfield I'm going for two holding players - Michael Carrick and Jordan Henderson. I can't consider Schweinsteiger because he's struggled to adapt to the Premier League, while Morgan Schneiderlin hasn't impressed me since his move to Old Trafford. I like Carrick in that role, while Henderson can provide the energy.

Ahead of them I've got the creativity of Coutinho and the hard-work of James Milner either side of Wayne Rooney, who will play in the No 10 position - his best position as far as I'm concerned. Milner is a shoo-in for me. He's made for this type of fixture, while Coutinho provides the flair.

Attack

It's got to be Anthony Martial up top because there aren't many other options! He's doing well for United and scoring but to be honest there aren't the riches in either side to choose from. I can't consider Sturridge because of his lack of game time and Christian Benteke isn't firing. Roberto Firmino was brilliant in the first half against Arsenal but doesn't do it consistently.

A couple of years ago I'd have been licking my lips at the prospect of picking a combined XI for this fixture, having to pick one striker from the Liverpool side that nearly won the league two years ago, or Wayne Rooney over Robin van Persie. Defensively, there are no Rio Ferdinand's around now, either.

To be honest the quality isn't there and there aren't the players to choose from.