the 171st Manchester Derby is just around the corner, and with Manchester City 4th in the league, and Manchester United 6th, both teams are in dire need of a win.
However, instead of going against each other today, we thought about what would a team look like if they had to work together as one. Injuries will not be taken into consideration for this lineup however.
So here is our Manchester Derby XI, set up in a 3-5-2 formation:
Goalkeeper: David De Gea (Man Utd)
Manchester United’s injury crisis this season has often seen the back line become bare at times. It has been down to the top Spanish Goalkeeper to often bail out the inexperienced defensive line. It is for this reason, along with the sheer quality of the player, that he earns his place between the sticks for our combined XI.
Centre Back: Vincent Kompany (Man City)
the stats show that without the big Belgian centre back, Manchester City struggle defensively. He is commanding, strong, and a very good reader of the game, earning him captaincy for the sky blues. He is good enough to bolster any defensive side he finds himself in.
Centre Back: Chris Smalling (Man Utd)
Chris Smalling is a young, pacy, and enthusiastic. Throw that in with his defensive capabilities, and we have a player which is very hard to beat on his day. He is one of England’s young talents, and definitely one for the future.
Centre Back: Nicolás Otamendi (Man City)
The Argentine was captured by City this summer, and has been a regular fixture in their lineup. He is aggressive, pacy, and committed- everything that a Premier league centre back should be.
Right Midfield: Raheem Sterling (Man City)
Sterling is yet another young English talent, who undeniably has bags of skill and flair. His ability to make a run makes him a nightmare for defences to deal with.
Centre midfield: Juan Mata (Man Utd)
The energetic Spaniard has unbelievable ability to find a pass and to also score goals, meaning he is an asset to the Manchester United team. He also comes with bags of experience, meaning that he lands himself a place in our side.
Central Attacking Midfield: Kevin De Bruyne (Man City)
The exciting young Belgian has been a revelation to the blue side of Manchester since arriving, providing constant good performances, goals, and assists. He is exciting and offers the full package to any team he plays in.
Centre Midfield: Yaya Toure (Man City)
Though the Ivorian seems to be lacking form this season, it cannot be denied that he has talent, and it cannot be ruled out than he could pull out a decent performance out of nowhere, and will no doubt perform well on the day.
Left Midfield: Memphis Depay (Man Utd)
The Dutch pocket-rocket was a shoe-in to be included on one of the wings, as his ability to weave around defenders and cause serious issues for the other team, making sure that he earns his place in the combined XI
Striker: Anthony Martial (Man Utd)
The £58m man looks more potent in the striker positions, So that’s exactly where we have put him. No other Manchester United player has been able to offer Louis van Gaal a better option in terms of strike force this season, meaning that he takes his place in our combined XI
Striker: Sergio Agüero (Man City)
It had to be. There is no man that could lead the front line other than the frankly brilliant Argentine, Sergio Aguero. He is an asset to any team he plays in, and GUARANTEES goals. It wouldn’t be surprising to see him net this weekend.
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