Chelsea - Man Utd: Who features in a combined XI between the two sides?

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Chelsea - Man Utd: Who features in a combined XI between the two sides?
Kepa has been in impressive form for Chelsea this season
Kepa has been in impressive form for Chelsea this season
AFP
Fourth-placed Chelsea take on fifth-placed Manchester United in the Premier League on Saturday evening, with just a point separating the two.

Based on current form and availability, Flashscore takes a look at who would make it into a combined XI from the two sides.

The likes of Reece James (22) and Antony Martial (26) are injured so can't be included, and with Cristiano Ronaldo (37) in exile for United he also isn't being considered.

GK - Kepa Arrizabalaga (28)

Kepa looked set to be forced out under previous managers, with Thomas Tuchel preferring Edouard Mendy (30) for the duration of his tenure. However, under Graham Potter, the world's most expensive goalkeeper looks to have found a new lease of life in London, keeping five clean sheets in his last five games in all competitions.

Kepa has made a number of fantastic saves since his return to the side and on current form is hard to ignore for the combined side.

RWB - Diogo Dalot (23)

Had James not been injured, he would have certainly been part of the side. However, a knee injury means he will likely be out for a number of weeks and will likely also miss the World Cup. Dalot has improved a lot for United and is starting to develop into a quality full-back.

The Portuguese player has kept Aaron Wan-Bissaka (24) out of the side, and his performances have been better than those of veteran Cesar Azpilicueta (33) for Chelsea.

CB - Raphael Varane (29)

Varane had a difficult first season in Manchester but has improved since being partnered with Lisandro Martinez. The Frenchman has played a key role in securing United's defence and has been an important component.

Both teams have struggled going forward, but defensively they have both been magnificent, with United keeping three clean sheets in a row.

CB - Kalidou Koulibaly (31)

Like Kepa, it's hard to ignore Chelsea's defensive record over the last few weeks. Both Koulibaly and Thiago Silva (38) have played major roles, but the Senegalese defender just gets the nod as he has featured more in recent matches.

Kouibaly has started four out of the last five and was brought on at half-time against Aston Villa, while Silva has only featured three times and has seen his minutes closely managed over a busy period of fixtures.

CB - Lisandro Martinez (24)

Martinez goes down as one of the signings of the season so far, proving a lot of his doubters wrong and playing a big part in United's solid start to the campaign by forming a formidable partnership with Varane.

He has won supporters over and is quickly becoming a fan favourite while backing it up with his performances on the pitch, establishing himself as one of the best defenders in the league.

LWB - Luke Shaw (27)

Shaw briefly lost his place in the United team to Tyrell Malacia (23), but returned to the side for the last three games and has been part of a defence that kept three clean sheets in that time.

His improved performances warrant his place in the side ahead of the likes of Ben Chilwell (25) and Marc Cucurella (24) at Chelsea who have divided the opinions of supporters with their hit-or-miss showings.

CM - Mason Mount (23)

The Englishman had a slow start to the campaign but has blossomed over the last few matches and has been one of the Blues' better players, especially in midfield. He netted two goals in their 2-0 win against Villa and has provided a further two assists this season.

Mount has hit form at exactly the right time, with the World Cup less than a month away.

CM - Casemiro (30)

The Brazilian had to be patient before featuring consistently for United, but has eventually made the defensive midfield spot his own. Standout performances against Everton and Tottenham Hotspur have boosted his credentials, and Casemiro will likely be key again for United against Chelsea.

CM - Christian Eriksen (30)

The Dane has been part of a midfield revolution for United, as they have moved away from the struggles of the last few years and evolved into a new-look side.

Eriksen missed out through illness during the week and his replacement, Fred (29), performed well, but with the former expected to be back available for selection, he could play a big part in Saturday's fixture.

FWD - Antony (22)

Antony joined United in the summer of 2022, and has had a fantastic start to his career in England. The winger has netted three goals in his first five games, including a fantastic strike against Manchester City.

He has given United a much-needed spark down their right-hand side and is living up to the big reputation that he brought with him from Ajax.

FWD - Marcus Rashford (24)

The September player of the month, Rashford has been back to his best this season. A difficult couple of years had brought doubts over the forward's future, but he has scored three goals and provided two assists. 

Rashford has had to fill the boots of legend Ronaldo, but he has so far led the line very well for Ten Hag's side. He is also helped by the inconsistent game time for both Kai Havertz (23) and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (33), both of whom haven't performed consistently for Chelsea thus far.

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