MY ACCOUNT
One of the Premier League’s classic rivalries resumes tonight as Manchester United host Arsenal.
Gone are the days when these sides dominated title races — but there is still plenty of quality in the squads.
Check out our combined XI, which lines up in a 4-2-3-1 formation below.
Goalkeeper: David de Gea (Manchester United)
There were times near the end of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s reign when David de Gea performed like a man possessed — poor results against Liverpool and Manchester City would have been far worse without his heroics.
Even though Aaron Ramsdale has impressed at Arsenal, De Gea has been one of the league’s best for the past decade and deservedly gets the nod.
Right-back: Takehiro Tomiyasu (Arsenal)
When Arsenal spent £17million on Takehiro Tomiyasu in August, his move from Bologna somewhat slipped under the radar with Mikel Arteta feeling the heat.
He has since been a solid presence at the back, impressing fans and pundits alike, and has certainly enjoyed a better campaign than the out of sorts Aaron Wan-Bissaka.
Centre-back: Raphael Varane (Manchester United)
It has been a frustrating first four months at Old Trafford for Raphael Varane, who remains sidelined through injury.
But his absence has only highlighted how much United miss him, with the likes of Harry Maguire and Eric Bailly going through torrid patches of form.
Centre-back: Ben White (Arsenal)
Both Ben White and Gabriel have been impressive at the heart of the Gunners’ backline this term but it is the England international who just gets the nod.
He has taken to life at a big-six club like a duck to water and with fellow Three Lions star Maguire woefully underperforming, the 24-year-old takes his spot alongside Varane.
Left-back: Kieran Tierney (Arsenal)
Mikel Arteta has stuck with Nuno Tavares at left-back despite Kieran Tierney’s return from injury — but we think the Scot deserves his place in this side.
A dependable performer who Gunners fans have taken to their hearts since his arrival from Celtic, he pips Luke Shaw to the post on account of the England international’s recent poor displays.
Centre midfield: Thomas Partey (Arsenal)
It has been a frustrating time for Thomas Partey since he signed for Arsenal in October 2020 — but whenever he has played, he has made a huge difference.
Given the obvious shortcomings of Nemanja Matic, Fred and Scott McTominay in the holding role, Partey is a no-brainer when picking from these two squads.
Centre midfield: Paul Pogba (Manchester United)
Despite being as frustrating as ever this campaign, Paul Pogba should thrive if he is handed the opportunity to play alongside a player like Partey.
The likes of Emile Smith Rowe and Martin Odegaard could easily feature in this XI and are a touch unlucky to miss out but we have narrowly sided with the enigmatic Frenchman.
Right wing: Bukayo Saka (Arsenal)
Arguably Arsenal’s best player, Bukayo Saka is one of the first names on the team sheet these days given his consistently impressive performances over an extended period.
The England star is a dangerous threat on either wing and gets the nod comfortably ahead of fellow Three Lions Marcus Rashford, Mason Greenwood and Jadon Sancho at the moment.
Attacking midfield: Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United)
This time last season, Bruno Fernandes would have been the standout player in a combined United and Arsenal side.
However, he has struggled recently and the form of Gunners starlet Smith Rowe makes this position a difficult decision. Bruno just pips the young Englishman on this occasion, though.
Left wing: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (Arsenal)
Who to start on the other wing proves a tougher call than Saka’s inclusion but Arsenal skipper Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has enjoyed a slightly more fruitful season than his competitors.
Four goals in 12 league games is not a fantastic return though and if this XI was selected in a month’s time, it could easily be a different story.
Centre forward: Cristiano Ronaldo (Manchester United)
There is only one option when it comes to who starts up front and that is the evergreen Cristiano Ronaldo.
Despite his best moments largely coming in the Champions League rather than domestically, Ronaldo would make the most of any chances this start-studded XI creates.
Do you agree with our line-up? Let us know by tweeting @LiveScore.
