This evening, we are treated to one of the biggest games of the season, as Manchester City host their neighbours, Manchester United.
The sides are both contention for a top 4 finish this season, and qualification for Champions League football. However, there are more than just 3 points at stake, and United will be out for revenge after being beaten 2-1 by City at Old Trafford in September. You can click here to read our preview for the game, including predictions, team news, match odds and free streams to watch the game.
Both squads have fantastic players, but if we were to combine these two squads and have one team, which players would make it in? Well, after much deliberation, we have put together a team of players that are good enough to make it. Remember, the players must be fit to play tonight in order to make it into this team, so yes, that does mean Zlatan Ibrahimovic is excluded. The formation for this team is a classic 4-4-2.
De Gea, as we all know, is world-class for Man United, and has just made the PFA Team of the Year, so easily makes it into this team ahead of Claudio Bravo, who has been a huge flop for Manchester City this season, and Willy Caballero. Sergio Romero is United’s no.2 but lacks the quality of De Gea, however could be used more often next season if Real Madrid get their way and sign De Gea.
Valencia has been a fantastic part of United’s back 4 this season, and his attacking abilities have given him the edge over Zabaleta and Sagna.
His quality is measured by just how much City miss him when he doesn’t play. His leadership on the pitch is second to none, and his presence in the box at set-pieces will give United something to worry about.
Bailly has had his injuries and absences for United this season, but there is no doubting the defensive qualities he brings to the team. When compared to other options such as Phil Jones, John Stones and Nicolas Otamendi, it is clear that he is the best player to partner Kompany in this XI.
There is plenty of controversy surrounding this guy at the moment, but Shaw is a very talented defender whether Jose Mourinho is a fan of him or not. He will have a very successful career regardless of whether he stays at Old Trafford, and is a better left-back choice than Gael Clichy and Aleksander Kolarov.
This boy has been a fantastic signing by Pep Guardiola, and despite taking time to find his feet, has blossomed since Christmas. His pace and quality is frightening. He is a top player and is going to become an even better one.
The Spanish technician. Silva’s quality never seems to disappear, his football brain is fantastic and his ability to execute the most unlikely of passes is even better. He’s in this team ahead of Paul Pogba, Fernandinho and Yaya Toure, which is a big achievement.
Based on current form, this guy was one of the first names into this team. Herrera works so hard and, like Silva, has such a talent on the ball keeping things tight in midfield. He is severely underrated in my opinion and his performance against Chelsea earns him a spot in this side, can he mark David Silva or Kevin De Bruyne out of the game the same way he did to Eden Hazard?
How could Jose Mourinho have ever let this man slip out of his hands? Well, that’s what he did in his time at Chelsea, and now De Bruyne bosses City’s attack and will cause United problems tomorrow evening.
Aguero is possibly the best striker in the Premier League right now, and is absolutely clinical. He has a good record of scoring against United and will be looking to grab a goal tomorrow evening. If he leaves Manchester City this summer like some people believe he could, that would be a huge loss.
The chosen man to step into Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s shoes for now, Rashford is doing a great job so far. He got a coolly taken goal vs Chelsea and was United’s hero against Anderlecht in the Europa League, will he be able to do a job on Man City tonight?
Do you agree with our team? Is there anyone you would change? Let us know!
By Ben Kelly – @benkelly_10