Manchester City visit Man Utd at Old Trafford in what promises to be a gripping Premier League derby game.
Manchester United host Man City in the Barclays Premier League this evening, and it promises to be a tense affair.
The Red Devils will be hoping to secure the three points that would bring them an eye-watering eighteen points clear of the Citizens in second place and likely seal the title – whilst at the same time humiliating their rivals.
After such an incredible title triumph last season, Manchester City will have hoped to build on that and again challenge this season, but it was not to be.
In this match then, Roberto Mancini and his team need to salvage pride and put in a good performance for the fans.
The Italian and his players have recently given interviews in which they claim that the current fifteen gap was not a fair reflection of the difference in quality between the two squads.
With that in mind, we selected a best combined XI of Manchester United and Manchester City teams.
The results are below.
Goalkeeper
David De Gea:
Whilst De Gea has had his critics since joining Manchester United, he has also shown real signs of adaptation this season.
The Spaniard’s reflexes are amongst the best in the world, and once he masters the arts of organising a defence and commanding his area, he could become a world great.
Joe Hart might have made this team last season, but has been guilty of a few too many mistakes himself.
Defence
Pablo Zabaleta
When Pablo Zabaleta was bought from Espanyol in 2008, he appeared to be a utility player; a jack of all trades but master of none.
That did him a tremendous diservice, for the Argentina right back has emerged this season as the best in his position in the league, offering both attacking threat and solid defence.
Rafael Da Silva at Manchester United has also enjoyed a great season, but remains slightly naive at times. However, the Brazilian still appears set to become an Old Trafford great.
Patrice Evra
Patrice Evra might not be particularly popular outside Old Trafford, but he remains a fine left back.
The Frenchman has provided four goals and five assists in the Premier League this season, which are remarkable numbers for someone whose primary job is to fend off opponents’ attacks.
Gael Clichy hasn’t yet shown the consistency to prove he is better than Evra.
Vincent Kompany
Comfortably the best centre back of last season, Vincent Kompany has had a difficult campaign this time around.
Hamstring and calf complaints have scuppered his bid for consistent selection, but Man City have performed far better with him in the team.
His team-mate Matija Nastasic is unlucky to miss out after a cool, calm and collected debut campaign at the Etihad Stadium.
Jonny Evans
Like the aforementioned Pablo Zabaleta, Northern Irish defender Jonny Evans is another who has gone from derided backup option to indispensable first choice star.
In previous seasons, Evans struggled to break up the partnership of Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic, but this season has taken advantage of injuries to the Serb to make the centre back position his own.
Rio Ferdinand too has had a fine season, but his lack of pace in comparison to Evans means he narrowly misses out.
COMMENTS