A combination of two of the best sides in England
With Arsenal ready to host Manchester United on Sunday in one of the biggest games of the season so far, it’s time to take a look at a combined starting XI of the two sides (4-1-2-1-2 formation).
Goalkeeper: David De Gea (Manchester United)
Arguably the biggest decision of the whole team was choosing a goalkeeper, but De Gea slightly edges it. His form this season has already been brilliant, and even though Cech’s experience counts for plenty, De Gea’s outstanding saves gets him a place in the team.
Right-back: Matteo Darmian (United)
A fabulous signing for United so far, he has really added some strength to the United defence that struggled for periods of last season. A fine addition to the side worthy of any Premier League team.
Centre-back: Laurent Koscielny (Arsenal)
In terms of leadership, good defending and consistency, you aren’t going to find many better centre-backs in the league. He would quite easily get into any starting XI in this one, and comfortably gets into this combined one with United.
Centre-back: Chris Smalling (United)
Smalling took a lot of stick during his first few seasons at United, but is now rightly so a highly rated central-defender who is consistently getting game time at United. He gains more and more confidence every game and even getting the odd goal too. A worthy addition to any team.
Left-back: Luke Shaw (United)
Before being injured with an awful broken leg, Luke Shaw was just beginning to kick-start his Manchester United career. Having missed lots of last season through injury too, it seemed like Shaw was ready to step up and be a big star in the side during this campaign, and that can still happen, but he has to wait longer. He gets a place over Kieran Gibbs because of his class going forward and having the ability to defend well at the same time. Hopefully is recovery is a speedy one and he can continue developing.
Holding midfielder: Francis Coquelin (Arsenal)
The young French midfielder is playing extremely well for Arsenal, and would make a good fit in this team. He’s recently been praised by teammate Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, and at only 24 still has a lot of potential to fill.
Centre Midfield: Aaron Ramsey (Arsenal)
In my opinion, one of the best players in the league. He’s become such a key player in Arsenal’s side, looking so comfortable in the heart of that midfield, he can create things just as well as anyone in that side. It’s just a shame he’s Welsh.
Centre Midfield: Santi Cazorla (Arsenal)
Most of the time, one of the most creative players on the football pitch, but can sometimes disappear in games. His vision is almost perfect, and his execution of the Hollywood-esque passes that he sees is exquisite. Quality player.
Attacking midfielder: Juan Mata (United)
One of the few world-class players at United, Mata has the ability to completely change a game with his precision in finishing and creativity. He makes a real difference in games and will be the player Arsenal need to keep an eye on in Sunday’s game.
Striker: Alexis Sanchez (Arsenal)
Arsenal’s main man. Possibly the best signing of last season, and his hattrick against Leicester at the weekend really proves what a player he is. Sanchez has everything a striker needs, and will use his confidence from his hattrick to really push onwards and make a difference in this weekend’s game. My tip for Golden Boot winner this season.
Striker: Wayne Rooney (United)
Concluding the Starting XI is United’s number 10. Despite having his problems on the field at the moment and coming under a lot of criticism, the England international is still lethal, and deserves a place in any Premier League side. He can score at any moment and Arsenal have to be careful.
Subs:
The subs for this team would be as follows:
Petr Cech, Marcos Rojo, Antonio Valencia, Jack Wilshere, Mesut Ozil, Olivier Giroud and Anthony Martial.
By Ben Kelly – @benkelly_10
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