MY ACCOUNT
Erik ten Hag and Pep Guardiola will lock horns on Saturday lunchtime in one of the most intriguing Manchester derby clashes of recent times.
The Red Devils are flying under their new boss with eight straight wins in all competitions, while Premier League champions and title favourites City enter the contest five points adrift of surprise leaders Arsenal.
Ahead of the mouth-watering contest, we have pulled together a combined XI from across the two current squads based on their exploits this season.
Goalkeeper: Ederson (Manchester City)
Both goalkeepers are enjoying impressive campaigns but it is Brazilian stopper Ederson who narrowly edges out David de Gea for a spot in our side.
Though the Spaniard’s eight clean sheets this term is currently one greater than his opposite number, United’s No1 has conceded four more strikes and has also made more errors directly leading to goals.
Right-back: Kyle Walker (Manchester City)
Reverting into a more orthodox right-back role, England veteran Kyle Walker has matured into one of world football’s most trustworthy defenders and walks into our line-up.
Having bounced back from a groin injury with some terrific World Cup performances, the 32-year-old’s electric pace and immense composure on the ball is a welcome boost to the Citizens’ backline.
Centre-back: John Stones (Manchester City)
Walker’s club and international team-mate John Stones is another deserving of a spot in our XI, with the 28-year-old arguably enjoying one of his finest campaigns as a City player.
The beneficiary of a few injuries in Guardiola’s defensive ranks, the Barnsley-born star has now started six straight Premier League clashes and there is no sign of him surrendering his spot any time soon.
Centre-back: Lisandro Martinez (Manchester United)
Manchester United’s first representative in our XI is their World Cup-winning centre-back Lisandro Martinez, who has looked a class act since arriving from Ajax last summer for £57million.
The Red Devils have kept 10 clean sheets across all competitions when the diminutive defender, 24, has started, while his efforts have been all the more impressive given the challenging start he had to life in England.
Left-back: Luke Shaw (Manchester United)
Luke Shaw’s career has been blighted by injury and fitness issues but the England full-back is enjoying a fine run of form at Old Trafford currently.
Dropped in favour of Tyrell Malacia early in the campaign, determination and versatility has seen the 27-year-old wrestle his way back into Ten Hag’s starting XI in style — he thoroughly deserves his spot in our side.
Central midfield: Rodri (Manchester City)
A player from each side combine to make a fearsome double-pivot at the base of our midfield, with City pass-master Rodri a no-brainer given his ability to dictate play against any opponent.
Once again, the 26-year-old Spaniard has picked out a team-mate more frequently than any other Premier League player this term and still remarkably boasts a pass success ratio of over 90%.
Central midfield: Casemiro (Manchester United)
Several factors have contributed to United’s radical upturn in fortunes — but the arrival of Real Madrid icon Casemiro has been as important as any.
It was hard to know just how quickly the 30-year-old enforcer would adapt to Premier League life but he has done so seamlessly, bringing poise, tenacity and a relentless winning mentality to the core of the Red Devils.
Right wing: Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United)
Although his goal involvement tally has not yet scaled the heights of recent seasons, Bruno Fernandes has been as pivotal as anyone in his side’s recent renaissance.
The 53-cap Portuguese international, 28, has assumed captain’s duties in the absence of Harry Maguire and remains devilishly capable in transition, picking apart opposition defences with his sumptuous passing range.
Attacking midfield: Kevin De Bruyne (Manchester City)
The mercurial Kevin De Bruyne retains his customary spot at the top of the Premier League’s assist charts and shows no signs of relinquishing his role as the crux of City’s attacking machine.
He has already laid on 15 goals for team-mates across all competitions this season and the 31-year-old Belgian will be confident of adding more trophies to his ever-growing haul in the months ahead.
Left wing: Marcus Rashford (Manchester United)
Having entered the 2022-23 campaign at a career crossroads, Marcus Rashford has emphatically soared back to his scintillating best under Ten Hag’s tutelage.
The homegrown hero, 25, has been a nightmare for opposition defenders this term with 21 combined goals and assists in just 25 appearances across all competitions — totals up there with the very best around.
Centre forward: Erling Haaland (Manchester City)
While Rashford has rediscovered his best form, Erling Haaland has simply translated his outrageous performance levels from the Bundesliga into the Premier League — and with minimal fuss, too.
Still only 22 years old, the Norwegian scoring sensation is netting over a goal a game in the Premier League and Champions League this term and could yet inspire City to glory in both of those competitions.
Do you agree with our line-up? Let us know by tweeting @LiveScore.
