If there is any fixture in the Premier League calendar that the Man Utd fans in the Transfer Tavern want to win, it is this one…

One of the most historic fixtures in the Premier League, games between Liverpool and Man Utd are always fiery affairs.

With such a distinctive rivalry between the two clubs, there is no doubting that the game will be a close one – but nobody knows how to perform on the big stage quite like Jose Mourinho.

Wherever he has been, Mourinho has delivered when it really mattered – and the Man Utd fans in the Tavern will demand that he repeats that feat on Sunday against Liverpool.

He’ll need to pick the right team for the occasion, of course, which will be made difficult by the unavailability of a couple of players, most notably Eric Bailly – who is away on AFCON duty.

Nonetheless, Mourinho has a decent squad to pick from – and he must get it right on the day.

With that said, if Mourinho fields this Man Utd XI, they’ll definitely beat Liverpool on Sunday…

 GK – David De Gea

There is no doubt about it: David De Gea will start in goal.

The Spaniard is Man Utd’s undisputed number 1, and with good reason. There is nobody better.

 LB – Luke Shaw

Luke Shaw could get a chance at left-back, with Mourinho still struggling to trust the young Englishman.

He’ll come good eventually.

 CB – Phil Jones

With Bailly away at the African Cup of Nations, Mourinho doesn’t have many choices in the heart of his defence.

Phil Jones has continued to impress this season, though, and will likely play.

 CB – Chris Smalling/Marcos Rojo

Marcos Rojo is a doubt after picking up an injury, so Chris Smalling could come in.

He’ll need to perform if that’s the case if he wants to stay there.

 RB – Antonio Valencia

Though a natural winger, Valencia has been Mourinho’s go-to choice this season on the right side of the defence.

It’ll be between him and Darmian.

 DM – Michael Carrick

The veteran Englishman continues to impress under Mourinho, and his experience will be important.

He’ll need to defend well, Liverpool are excellent going forward.

 DM – Ander Herrera

Ander Herrera is the perfect deep-lying playmaker, and he will likely get back into the side alongside Carrick.

A dynamic duo.

 LW – Anthony Martial

Anthony Martial has had more of a chance lately, and he has looked good value for his increased role.

His direct running could be important.

 CAM – Paul Pogba

Let loose further up the field, Paul Pogba is finally paying back his dues to Man Utd.

He has looked good in recent weeks, and you would back him to put on a show in this vital game.

 RW – Henrikh Mkhitaryan

Henrikh Mkhitaryan has impressed this season, and Mourinho finally seems to fancy him.

He’s scored some great goals and worked hard, and he’ll want to deliver once again.

 ST – Zlatan Ibrahimovic

 

Zlatan Ibrahimovic is the ultimate big game player, and a goal certainly wouldn’t go amiss this weekend.

Liverpool are strong at the back, though, so it will be no easy feat. He’ll need to work hard.