Manchester City vs Manchester United – Combined XI; Man Utd vs City

Manchester City, Arsedevils, Manchester United, Man City Vs Man Utd

It’s a derby Sunday in the Premier League as Manchester City host city rivals Manchester United. A Man Utd – Man City combined XI will give the idea of why the match is building up to be a mouth-watering fixture for both sets of supporters. The race for the title and top-four has become increasingly intriguing over the last few weeks. Both sides will need three points as they look to fulfil their personal ambitions for the season.

Despite being their trailblazing self throughout the ongoing campaign, Man City find themselves only six points ahead of second-placed Liverpool. The Reds have a game in hand. Pep Guardiola’s side will be keen on securing maximum points this weekend in hopes of increasing the gap on Liverpool.

Meanwhile, United have drawn three of their last five league outings. They also had to suffer a 0-2 loss at the hands of City at Old Trafford early in the season. However, a highly-anticipated return fixture offers Ralf Rangnick’s side a golden opportunity to redeem themselves. Only two points separate the Red Devils and sixth-placed Arsenal. The visitors will be keen on avoiding a poor result on Sunday.

Manchester City Vs Manchester United – Combined XI

A derby day combined XI is likely to offer a pulsating set of players from both sides. But the two clubs’ difference in class was evident during their previous league encounter. So it was obvious that City are expected to dominate the combined starting line-up for Sunday.

A dynamic 4-2-3-1 formation will create a fair space for individual battles for the starting spot, whilst offering a sustainable balance to accommodate a variety of players from both sides.

Goalkeeper

Ederson (GK) – There remains a marginal difference in the save percentage between David De Gea and his Brazilian counterpart, Ederson. But Ederson boasts the highest number of clean sheets (15) in the league this season. De Gea’s form might suggest he is a tempting option between the sticks, but Ederson is expected to remain a reliable figure given a dependent back-four forms the defensive line ahead of him.

Defenders

Joao Cancelo (RB) – Cancelo is amongst the most impressive players in the league this season. He emerges as the foremost option at right-back. He has already notched up a goal and eight assists alongside his 14 clean sheets in the league. The Portuguese offers the desired balance and technicality across both extremes of the pitch.

Ruben Dias (RCB) – A stalwart in defence, Dias’ inclusion remains indispensable to the formation of a resolute centre-back partnership. He has contributed to 13 clean sheets and has scored or assisted five times for City this season. The Portuguese international provides the necessary balance and imposition to the backline.

Raphael Varane (LCB) – While Aymeric Laporte emerges as the obvious inclusion, Varane’s qualities and experience remain more suited to the formation. Varane is amongst a handful of players at United to have delivered consistent performances this season. The Frenchman’s all-around attributes are expected to significantly contribute in the formation of a formidable backline.

Alex Telles (LB) – With United boasting a comparatively specialist pair of left-backs, Alex Telles emerges as the premiere option ahead of Luke Shaw for the starting spot. The Brazilian is yet to fulfil his potential, but Shaw’s recent performances are unlikely to earn him a spot with Telles emerging as the foremost option in the position.

Midfielders

Rodri (CDM) – An imposing conductor of the game from midfield, the Spaniard emerges as an unquestionable addition to the line-up. Even with Nemanja Matic’s experience and mastery, United are short on quality in the position. But Rodri offers just the required stability and balance to execute transitions into either side of the pitch.

Ilkay Gundogan (CM) – Paul Pogba serves as a serious competitor for the position, no doubt. But Gundogan’s tenacity in the box-to-box role gives him the edge over the Frenchman. Gundogan’s ability to break the lines and contribute with goals and assists gives City an added threat. The German international offers an indispensable contribution from the City midfield. In fact, he was City’s top scorer for 2020/21 season. Unbelievable, isn’t it?

Forwards

Jadon Sancho (RW) – Despite being primarily deployed as a left-winger, Sancho’s ability from the right is likely to give him the nod over Raheem Sterling in the line-up. Sancho has shown considerable improvement in his performances in recent weeks. He is deserving of a spot in the line-up for Sunday.

Kevin De Bruyne (CAM) – Although he has not been at his best this season, De Bruyne remains a healthy addition to the starting line-up. With the ability to deliver match-winning performances, the Belgian is a worthy addition to the line-up. He also offers the required discipline in the position, and takes a little bit of defensive responsibility for the team too.

Phil Foden (LW) – A regular feature for City, Foden completes a well-organized and disciplined creative framework behind the striker in the Man Utd – Man City combined XI for Sunday. Boasting the ability to deliver crucial contributions, the youngster’s dynamic attributes offer a distinct feature across the final third.

Bruno Fernandes (ST) – Cristiano Ronaldo should serve as the obvious option in the position. But Bruno Fernandes’ ability to create space and pull the strings from attacking spaces makes him a tenacious employee as a false nine. He has the support of creatively versatile and ball-retaining creators who are going to provide service from the flanks and central areas of the pitch. The Portuguese is likely to be deployed in a free role and will be expected to deliver impactful performances.

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