Manchester United face off against the Turkish giants in what is a must win game if the Red Devils wish to challenge in the Europa League.
Key stats-
Goals: Ibrahimovic (Man United), Emenike (Fenerbahce)
Assists: Blind (Man United), Lens (Fenerbahce)
Chances Created: Pogba (Man United), Sen (Fenerbahce)
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Goalkeeper- Demirel
Fenerbahce goalkeeper Volkan Demirel beats De Gea to the punch with a Squawka performance score that’s double the Spanish goalkeeper’s. Just a reminder- the combined XI is based on form, minutes on the pitch and Squawka’s performance scores so this isn’t an indication of ability otherwise De Gea would be our number one pick.
While De Gea is a world class goalkeeper without a doubt, Demirel simply has had far more to do. With United’s issues mainly being a lack of goals (the team has only scored 13 goals in 10 Premier League games), De Gea has hardly been called upon.
It’s fair to say in the past few seasons United relied on him heavily but so far this season with Mourinho coming in and bring Bailly with him, United’s defence has looked tougher to beat. It’s for this reason that Demirel has been picked instead.
Defence- Blind, Shaw, Skrtel, Kaldirim.
In defence we have Blind and Shaw of Manchester and Skrtel and Kaldirim of Fenerbahce to make up a back four. Shaw and Kaldirim are both full backs and so this will see Blind partner Skrtel in the heart of defence.
Not a bad pairing by any means, Blind can be the more silky ball passing centre back whereas Skrtel can be the no-nonsense, tough tackling of the pair. Shaw and Kaldirim, while both left backs, can still adjust to playing either side of Blind and Skrtel.
In terms of Manchester United, Bailly and Valencia are far better performers and more deserving than Shaw to be included in this XI but unfortunately both are currently injured. Darmian’s performances of late has been decent but unless they improve he won’t be considered just yet.
Midfield- Mata, Pogba, Herrera, Sen, Souza.
Probably the strongest area in the team, the midfield is made up of three United players and two Fenerbahce players. Mata and Herrera have simply been outstanding for United so far this season and while Pogba has been scapegoated by rival fans he’s actually been performing quite well.
Statistically speaking he has created the most chances out of the Red Devils squad and has missed out on a number of assists simply due to his teammates embarrassing finishing. Souza is a respectable central midfielder, capable of scoring goals, creating chances and putting in the odd tackle too.
Sen is a winger and so will flank the left side of the field while Mata will come inside from the right. Pogba, Herrera and Souza will complete a hard working yet creative midfield trio which would surely be capable of unlocking any side.
Attack- Ibrahimovic.
Up top, who else but the big man? While Ibrahimovic is relying on his early season form for his Squawka score, he’s simply out performed the others. Lately he hasn’t scored but he’s still creating a decent amount of chances.
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Van Persie and Emenike both have hardly hit the same numbers Ibrahimovic has and so the Swede beats them to the spot. Besides, if you’ve got the midfield we’ve mentioned above, who would you pick to be the one to finish those endless chances?
Hopefully we’ll all see Ibrahimovic end his drought in the game against the Turkish giants and redeem himself. If he doesn’t then it’s looking more and more likely by the day that Mourinho will drop one of his favourite players.
So there you have, that’s our combined XI made up of six Manchester United players and five Fenerbahce players. Who would you include in your combined XI? Let us know in the comments section!