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Man City dominate this combined Manchester derby XI.
Manchester City host Manchester United at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday in the 188th edition of the Manchester derby. You can stream the game with a NOW Sports Membership, with kick-off at 2 pm.
The Red Devils, for so long the dominant side in the city, have been forced to live in their neighbour’s shadow over the last decade.
Man City also won this fixture 4-1 last season and come into the game in incredible form.
Ahead of the match, we have selected a combined XI from both sides. The Premier League champions, of course, make up the majority of the team, but Man United hold their own in the selection.
Erik ten Hag’s side have turned their form around ahead of the game and could be primed to cause an upset if City have a rare off-day.
Manchester City & Manchester United combined XI.
Ederson is arguably the best goalkeeper in the Premier League. The Brazilian is a strong shot-stopper and comfortable passing out from the back, which gives him the nod over David de Gea.
João Cancelo starts at right-back in this team, but the Portuguese star is equally comfortable at left-back. Cancelo is an excellent all-around footballer and one of the most creative players in the Premier League.
Rúben Dias was named the Premier League player of the year for the 2020/21 season and has improved since then. The Portuguese defender is good enough to play in central defence for almost any team.
Lisandro Martínez was the subject of scrutiny and ridicule after his first two games for Man United. The Argentinian, however, has silenced the doubters since then. Martinez has thrived alongside Raphael Varane in central defence and would probably even start for Pep Guardiola’s team.
Tyrell Malacia starts in this combined XI because Man City don’t have a natural left-back who has played regularly this season. Malacia has also played well for Man United. The Dutch full-back, 23, was an under-the-radar signing from Feyenoord in the summer but has quietly established himself as United’s first-choice left-back, demoting Luke Shaw to a place on the bench.
Rodri is the best-holding midfielder in the Premier League. The Spanish international is an excellent passer, brilliant at carrying the ball forward, and strong defensively. Rodri’s presence would improve any team in the Premier League.
Kevin de Bruyne, of course, starts in midfield. The Belgian is arguably the best footballer in the Premier League and the best midfielder in the world.
In seven appearances this season, De Bruyne has registered six assists and scored one goal. Guardiola constantly rotates his starting team, but De Bruyne is an indispensable part of the side.
Christian Eriksen is the closest Man United have to De Bruyne and already looks like the key player in Ten Hag’s side. The Danish midfielder has been brilliant since joining on a free transfer.
Eriksen plays deeper in midfield for United than he did for his previous clubs, but the role suits him as he has used his vast passing range to unlock the team’s potential. Man United players Bruno Fernandes, Marcus Rashford and Scott McTominay have all improved playing alongside the Dane this season.
Bernardo Silva is one of the most creative players in the Premier League and has started the season in great form. The Portuguese midfielder has scored twice and registered three assists so far, and gets the nod ahead of Jadon Sancho in this team.
Phil Foden also starts ahead of an in-form Man United player – Marcus Rashford – in this team. Foden is one of Guardiola’s most important players and will be a starter for Man City’s biggest games this season.
Erling Haaland plays at centre forward in this combined XI. The Norwegian striker has an astonishing record ahead of Sunday’s Manchester derby, with 11 goals in seven Premier League games.
Haaland presents opposition teams with an impossible choice. If they sit deep, he will find openings due to his movement, power and strength. If an opposition team plays a high defensive line, they will give the striker space to run into and score at will. The Norwegian appears unstoppable.
The 22-year-old is on course to break the Premier League record for goals scored in a single season – which is currently 31, held by Mohamed Salah and Alan Shearer.
Here is the full combined Manchester derby XI.
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