Home Premier League Chelsea COMBINED XI: Manchester United vs Chelsea

COMBINED XI: Manchester United vs Chelsea

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Another huge game in the Premier League on Monday night sees Manchester United host Chelsea at Old Trafford.

Guus Hiddink’s return to Chelsea after the sacking of Jose Mourinho started with a 2-2 draw with Watford on Saturday, but the Blues remain in the lower trenches of the table. As for Louis van Gaal and United, the club are currently sitting in sixth place after another disappointing result against Stoke City. Anything less that victory over the reigning champions will surely mean the end of the Dutchman’s reign.

Ahead of what is sure to be a tense encounter between these two clubs, here is a combined XI, bearing in mind who is available for both clubs, hence Diego Costa not included due to being suspended for the fixture.

GOALKEEPER: David De Gea (Manchester United)

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Thibault Courtois is a top, top goalkeeper, but Spaniard De Gea has been one of the few bright spots for United this season, but may well be regretting not joining Real Madrid in the summer, as the league title seems unlikely to be returning to Old Trafford, at least this season. However, the Galacticos are sure to come calling again…..

RIGHT-BACK: Branislav Ivanovic (Chelsea)

Branislav-Ivanovic

The Serbian is hardly in great form, but he is in this line-up by default as his United counterpart Matteo Darmian is unavailable due to injury.

LEFT-BACK: Cesar Azpilicueta (Chelsea)

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Like Ivanovic, injuries mean Luke Shaw is out for United with his double leg fracture. With him being United’s main left-back, and Daley Blind disappointing in the role, Cesar gets the start here.

CENTRE-BACK: Chris Smalling (Manchester United)

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United’s best defender, and finally making a name for himself this season, even if LVG can not always remember what that name is exactly (in a pre-season interview, Van Gaal famously referred to him as Mike Smalling). He is partnered by…

CENTRE-BACK: Kurt Zouma (Chelsea)

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Having a better season than more experienced colleagues Gary Cahill and John Terry, and deserves his spot in this team.

RIGHT-WING: Willian (Chelsea)

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One of the more obvious choices in this team, and he is probably Chelsea’s best player so far this term. Had an excellent game against Watford on Boxing Day.

LEFT-WING: Eden Hazard (Chelsea)

Eden Hazard Chelsea

Not been his best season so far by any means, but still immensely talented, and edges out Anthony Martial in this position, who has been deployed out here this term.

CENTRE-MIDFIELD: Morgan Schneiderlin (Manchester United)

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Not really featured much recently, it is unclear why as United have struggled for any sort of consistency.

CENTRE-MIDFIELD: Bastian Schweinsteiger (Manchester United)

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Again, not featuring much in recent weeks, but Cesc Fabregas and Nemanja Matic have hardly covered themselves in glory over at Stamford Bridge, so I’m going for the German.

FORWARD: Pedro (Chelsea)

Fotboll, Premier League, Stoke City - Chelsea

With Diego Costa suspended, Pedro may well lead the line on Monday. He has featured in this role before, for Barcelona.

FORWARD: Anthony Martial (Manchester United)

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This choice may well raise a few eyebrows, as it means no place for Wayne Rooney. But Rooney has looked a shadow of the player we know he can be this season, and he wouldn’t have made this line-up if Costa was available, in my opinion. Speaking of raising eyebrows, Martial’s transfer fee certainly did that, but he is doing okay so far.

 

So this line-up may well raise a few interesting points. Who would you pick?

 

By Steve Osborne          @BlizzardSteve75

 

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