17 points separate the sides in the Premier League but it’s been in the cup competitions where Manchester United have flourished this season.
Jose Mourinho will bring his Manchester side to his old stomping ground without his top goalscorer Zlatan Ibrahimovic. The Swede was involved in an altercation with Bournemouth defender Tyrone Mings, leading to retrospective bans for the pair.
With Chelsea ten points clear at the top of the division, and not competing in Europe, they might field a full strength team for Monday’s FA Cup clash at Stamford Bridge, with a semi-final at Wembley up for grabs.
Here’s our combined XI of Manchester United and Chelsea players based on this season’s form. We’re sure you’ll agree with all of our choices.
David de Gea
The Spanish shot-stopper slightly edges it for us over Thibaut Courtois. The ever dependable De Gea has turned himself into one of the best keepers in the world over the past few seasons.
Courtois would get into any other team in the Premier League, with the exception of United.
Cesar Azpilicueta
Bought from Marseille for just £7m back in 2012, Azpilicueta has transition into one of the best defenders in the league.
Under Conte, Azpilicueta has moved into a more central position where he has looked at ease. The Spaniard is one of the most-under rated players in the league.
David Luiz
When Chelsea re-signed David Luiz from Paris Saint-Germain on deadline day last August, almost everyone questioned the logic behind it.
Rumours that @ChelseaFC have bid £30million for David Luiz. That'll test you @nglkante
— Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) August 30, 2016
But after a string of fine performances, Luiz has is now indispensable to the team.
Luiz has become one of the signings of the season, matured himself into one of Chelsea stand out performers, and made a lot of people eat their words.
Eric Bailly
Signed from Villarreal for £30m last the summer, the 22-year-old from the Ivory Coast has been plagued with injuries in his maiden season with the Reds.
However, the centre-half has impressed in his 22 appearances, and boasts a 71% win ratio so far for United. Not bad.
Antonio Valencia
The Ecuadorian has spent seven years at the club, and is arguably playing his best football this season.
The winger turned full-back has drastically improved the defensive side of his game, which slightly gives him the edge over Chelsea’s Victor Moses.
Marcus Alonso
The former Bolton Wanderers and Sunderland defender raised eyebrows when he moved to London in a deal worth £23m.
He has only lost one game for the Blues since joining and is arguably the best left back in the league on current form.
N’Golo Kante
One of the first names on the team-sheet for us, Kante is in line for a unprecedented consecutive league titles with two different sides. An incredible player who would get a game for any side in the Premier League.
Michael Carrick
He is like a fine wine he has gotten better with age. The 35-year old, winner of 5 Premier League titles, has only lost one game this season. He pips Matic and Fabregas to our team.
An underrated, understated, calming presence for Mourinho’s side.
Henrikh Mkhitaryan
The former Borussia Dortmund man has found some form in recent months, after been neglected at the start of the season.
Pedro has been a revelation this season, but the Armenian has been brilliant. Mkhitaryan is a fast, intelligent and creative player, and has impressed United fans with his wide range of skills.
Eden Hazard
Like Kante, Hazard is a guaranteed starter for our team. The Belgian is being tipped to win the PFA player of the year award again.
Hazard is simply world-class
Diego Costa
Big bad Costa’s goals have been so important to Chelsea this season. The former Atletico striker has directly contributed to more Premier League points being won then anyone else.
It wasn’t easy to omit Zlatan Ibrahimovic from this team, but, on his day, it could be argued that there are few more prolific strikers than Costa.
Here’s our team in full:
