Ahead of Manchester versus Merseyside, on Sunday, it’s safe to say that the television companies haven’t learnt. And they never will.
The cringeworthy hype around ‘Red Monday’, when Manchester United and Liverpool faced off earlier in the season, culminated in the worst game of the Premier League – and we’ve all watched Leicester City’s nil-nil against Middlesbrough.
So naturally, this weekend’s Super Sunday – with Everton playing Manchester City, and Liverpool and Manchester United reigniting their faux rivalry – will ultimately end in a couple of drab affairs (probably with Manchester victories, though).
Despite the inevitable below-par games, there’s still some world-class talent on display, which made this combined XI a tough one.
David de Gea
The only man in the team without any threat to their starting place.
Source: Twitter
Antonio Valencia
Up there with one of Sir Alex Ferguson's best ever value for money signings.
Source: Twitter
Joel Matip
Given the amount of money the Manchester clubs have wasted on centre backs, it's amusing that Matip was a free transfer.
Source: Twitter
Marcos Rojo
When he's not chopping down trees with two-footed lunges, the Argentine is part of a much improved and resolute United defence.
Source: Twitter
James Milner
When the Reds' dancing quartet up top aren't tracking back, you need someone of consistency and reliability - Milner's middle names.
Source: Twitter
Raheem Sterling
Tough one leaving out Lallana, but Sterling just edges his international teammate. Reformed under Pep Guardiola.
Source: Twitter
Idrissa Gueye
Does everything that Carrick does. And also does everything that Carrick doesn't do.
Source: Twitter
Paul Pogba
Beginning to find his stride at Old Trafford. But, obviously, will never deserve to be the world's most expensive player.
Source: Twitter
Sadio Mane
No questions over the price tag, now; Liverpool's most important attacking outlet.
Source: Twitter
Sergio Aguero
This is the closest Aguero has come to not making one of these teams. But then you remember that it's Sergio Aguero.
Source: Twitter
Zlatan Ibrahimovic
At 35, the Swede is still silencing the haters. And doing so in style.
Source: Twitter
No room for Adam Lallana, Philippe Coutinho or Roberto Firmino. Kevin De Bruyne misses out. Juan Mata and Henrikh Mkhitaryan nowhere to be seen.
The truth is, if we were playing FIFA 17, you’d just have David de Gea and then 10 attacking midfielders on the pitch.
Think you can do any better? Let us know your XIs in the comments!
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