Manchester United vs Liverpool: Who comes out on top when the Premier League stars collide? 

• Manchester United face Premier League clash against Liverpool 
• Wayne Rooney could miss the Old Trafford clash with hamstring injury
• It means Marouane Fellaini could start if captain fails fitness check
• Brazilian midfielder Philippe Coutinho is suspended for the match  
• Jordan Henderson and Adam Lallana face late fitness tests 
• CLICK HERE to see who made Jeff Powell's all-time combined XI  

By Ashley Clements for MailOnline

Published: 04:30 EST, 12 September 2015 | Updated: 09:06 EST, 12 September 2015

Brendan Rodgers' Liverpool side head to Old Trafford on Saturday afternoon to take on Manchester United.

But which of the two sides has the better players? Who comes out on top when the stars are judged by Sportsmail's High Court?

Scroll down to find out...

Louis van Gaal (left) and Brendan Rodgers will go head-to-head as Manchester United face Liverpool 

Goalkeeper: David de Gea vs Simon Mignolet

After agreeing a new four-year deal at Manchester United after seeing his move to Real Madrid fall through, you'd expect David de Gea to make his first appearance of the season for Louis van Gaal's side. He presence and shot-stopping prowess should improve a United defence that has looked reasonably water-tight so far this season. Mignolet's form has greatly improved in a Liverpool shirt and the Belgian looks far more solid that he did at times last season. It's close, but De Gea's return cannot be overlooked. 

VERDICT: De Gea 8 Mignolet 7 

David de Gea smiles with manager Louis van Gaal after agreeing a new four-year contract at United

Simon Mignolet makes a save in training as Liverpool prepare for their trip to Old Trafford

Right back: Matteo Darmian vs Nathaniel Clyne

Darmian has made a brilliant start to his Old Trafford career and deservedly collected United's Player of the Month award on Friday. He needs to offer more to his side going forward, but so far looks a tough nut to crack defensively. Liverpool new boy Clyne has settled well at Anfield and will be a constant threat on the right.   

VERDICT: Darmian 7 Clyne 7 

Matteo Darmian, seen here challenging Harry Kane, has proved a fine addition to the United defence

Nathaniel Clyne steals in between two Bournemouth players to try and win the ball 

Centre back: Chris Smalling vs Martin Skrtel

Smalling has been one of United's success stories during the early stages of the 2015-16 Premier League campaign. He seems to have grown as a player Under Louis van Gaal and by his own admittance has been enjoying 'bullying' defenders. He's performed well this season, but will find it tough against Reds star Christian Benteke. As Liverpool's most experienced defender, Skrtel will be hoping to lead his backline to victory at Old Trafford. The Slovak star has made more clearances than any of his team-mates this season and will be tasked with keeping Wayne Rooney quiet.    

VERDICT: Smalling 7.5 Skrtel 7 

Chris Smalling heads clear under pressure from Gabriel Agbonlahor during United's win at Aston Villa

Martin Skrtel closes down United goalkeeper David de Gea during last season's meeting at Anfield

Centre back: Daley Blind vs Dejan Lovren

Blind has helped United to earn four clean sheets in their first five games, but was exposed during his side's 2-1 defeat against Swansea as Bafetimbi Gomis gave the Dutchman a torrid time. Benteke, who has a similar stature to Gomis, will provide another stern test. Lovren is in danger of being dropped after a horror performance in Liverpool's 3-0 defeat by West Ham before the international break. If he does play, the United forward line will be looking to expose his weaknesses. 

VERDICT: Blind 7 Lovren 6 

Daley Blind turns away from Andre Ayew during United's defeat at Swansea last time out

Dejan Lovren is in danger of being dropped following a poor performance against West Ham two weeks ago

Left back: Luke Shaw vs Joe Gomez

United youngster Shaw seems to be coming of age after some strong words about his fitness from Van Gaal this summer. The 21-year-old has become an integral part of United's starting line-up after a series of tireless performances down the left. 18-year-old Gomez is still a raw talent, but has already displayed several performances of real maturity for Rodgers' side. He will have to be at his best up against the likes of Juan Mata and Memphis Depay.  

VERDICT: Shaw 7 Gomez 6

Luke Shaw has sorted out his fitness troubles and seems to be coming of age at Old Trafford

Liverpool's Joe Gomez in action during Liverpool training at Melwood this week

Central midfield: Morgan Schneiderlin vs James Milner

Schneiderlin looks more and more like a United player with every minute he plays, but is yet to really take a game by the scruff of the neck for his new side. With a 90 per cent pass completion rate, the Frenchman has the ability to control proceedings at Old Trafford if he finds his best form. As for Milner, the former Manchester City man has created an average of 1.8 chances for Liverpool and already looks to be one of Rodgers' most consistent players.    

VERDICT: Schneiderlin 7 Milner 7 

Morgan Schneiderlin practises his free-kick during Manchester United's training session on Friday

James Milner slides in to challenge Charlie Adam of Stoke City during the opening game of the season

Central midfield: Bastian Schweinsteiger vs Lucas Leiva

United will need German World Cup winner Schweinsteiger to be at his best in front of the back four with the likes of Firmino and Ibe looking to make runs between the lines. He's been far from his brilliant best since leaving Bayern Munich in the summer, but relish the chance to take part in one of the great Premier League clashes. Leiva came close to leaving Anfield last month and was left out of the Liverpool squad for their first two Premier League games. Since then, the Brazilian has proved his worth in his trademark deep-lying midfield role. 

VERDICT: Schweinsteiger 7 Leiva 6.5 

Bastian Schweinsteiger picks a pass during United's win over Club Bruges in the Champions League

Lucas Leiva takes on the dribbling challenge in Liverpool's training session on the eve of the match

Midfield: Ander Herrera vs Emre Can

Herrera started just behind Rooney in United's 2-1 defeat against Swansea and said recently he's keen to grab the No 10 role. He certainly has the talent to pull the strings in that area, but has only created five chances in his three appearances so far. After spending most of last season as a full back, Can needs to add goals to his games after being moved into midfield, but has shown he's more than capable of holding down the position. 

VERDICT: Herrera 6.5 Can 6 

Ander Herrera (middle) with Spanish co-stars Juan Mata (left) and David de Gea (right)

Emre Can challenges Matt Ritchie during Liverpool's 1-0 win over Bournemouth earlier this season

Attacking midfielder: Juan Mata vs Jordon Ibe

Mata will remember his last outing against Liverpool fondly after his brace secured a 2-1 victory at Anfield. Although he has a tendency to dip in and out of games, the Spaniard can produce moments of magic worthy of winning any match. Ibe has big shoes to fill with Philippe Coutinho suspended, but the 19-year-old has the confidence and ability to make his mark at Old Trafford.      

VERDICT: Mata 7 Ibe 6 

Juan Mata scored twice as Manchester United won 2-1 against Liverpool at Anfield last season

Jordon Ibe (right) jokes around with Daniel Sturridge as Liverpool trained at Melwood on Thursday

Attacking midfield: Memphis Depay vs Roberto Firmino

Despite scoring his first and second United goals in the 3-1 Champions League win against Club Bruges, £25million man Depay is yet to set the Premier League alight. Having said that, the Dutchman's pace and skill will be a huge test for the Liverpool backline. Firmino is another still waiting for his big moment in a red shirt. The Brazilian has created five chances in just two appearances and has the chance to shine in absence of Coutinho and Lallana.

VERDICT: Depay 6 Firmino 6 

Mmephis Depay lines up a shot during Manchester United's goalless draw with Newcastle United 

Brendan Rodgers gets his hands on Roberto Firmino as Liverpool prepare to head to Old Trafford

Striker: Wayne Rooney vs Christian Benteke 

Both players would have liked to have found the net more often this season and there's little to choose between the two when considering recent form. Rooney will surely be brimming with confidence after becoming England's all-time top goalscorer during the international break. Benteke has just one goal to his name, but has won more aerial duels than any other Premier League player this season which will be a problem for the diminutive Blind. 

VERDICT: Rooney 8 Benteke 7 

TOTAL - MANCHESTER UNITED 78 -  71.5 LIVERPOOL 

Wayne Rooney celebrates after scoring a hat-trick in Man United's Champions League win over Bruges

Christian Benteke celebrates after scoring Liverpool's winning goal against Bournemouth 

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