Arsenal vs. Manchester United combined XI

Arsene Wenger. Jose Mourinho. The rivalry is reignited once again Saturday as Manchester United travels to London to play Arsenal.

These two managers are bitter, bitter rivals. Their hate for each other is no secret as both consistently complain about the other openly to the media.

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 18: Jose Mourinho.. (Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images) /

When Mourinho was at Chelsea the matches against Wenger’s Gunners was can’t-miss television. And with The Special One now at Old Trafford, the same applies when these two storied clubs clash.

Arsenal have recovered from their slow start to the Premier League season, and currently sit in fourth place on 28 points. The Red Devils are in second place on 32. For Arsenal their title dreams are shot — again — however, they look to secure Champions League football a year after missing out. For Mourinho’s side, the chase is real. Manchester City refuse to drop any points, so United must go for 3 points each and every game to try to have a chance.

It will be an exciting match Saturday with both teams full of fantastic players.

This combined XI will consist of player full fit and eligible to play in the clash this weekend. The formation we’re using is a 4-3-2-1 — a classic Mourinho shape — this is a Manchester United site after all.

GK: David De Gea (MUN)

This had to be obvious. Petr Cech is a legendary goalkeeper, but there may be no one on planet Earth better than our Spaniard in-goal. That’s right Manuel Neuer, we said it. He’s only conceded eight goals this season through 14 league games — enough said.

Fullbacks: Sead Kolašinac (ARS), Ashley Young (MUN)

Both Arsenal and Manchester United weren’t sure what to expect form Ashley Young and Sead Kolašinac heading into this season. The latter was a free transfer and has been fantastic for the Gunners this season. While United fans have been waiting to off-load Young for a few years, however, he has revitalized his career at left-back this season for United.

Both players are playing huge roles for their respective clubs at the moment. Both are great with the ball going forward as well. Kolašinac is more of a left-wing back, true, but we’re making an exception to get both into this team.

Center-backs: Shkodran Mustafi (ARS), Victor Lindelof (MUN)

Mustafi was supposed to solve Arsenal’s defesnive woes last season, and he failed. He was a letdown last season, but this year he has been fantastic. Arsenal’s defense still may have some leaks, but there are other players to blame for that. The German is living up to his transfer hype, finally.

Victor Lindelof, how could he possibly make this list? Yes, he was bad — very, very bad. However, the Swede has turned things around these last three games. He was man of the match against Brighton, and is finally looking like a future world-class defender.

If these two kept their current form they would form a dangerous duo in the heart of the defense — until Eric Bailly returned, of course.

Central mifielders: Nemanja Matic (MUN), Paul Pogba (MUN)

Nemanja Matic is a different player when linked with Paul Pogba in the midfield. The two feed off of eachother.

Matic is composed, shields the defense and stays deep, while Pogba can then free-roam across the pitch to fill the spaces where Matic isn’t. Since Pogba has returned from his injury Matic has been back to his his best. These two in the middle are as dangerous as any pairing in the Premier League.

Central attacking midfielder: Mesut Ozil (ARS)

Should the rumors be believed, this midfield could be a reality come January.

The German hasn’t had the best year. He’s been criticized for lack of work rate constantly, but every once in a while he reminds the critics of his ability. He scored once and assisted twice in Arsenal’s smackdown against Huddersfield Wednesday, and with that form he will look to do the same in the combined side.

Wingers: Alexis Sanchez (ARS), Anthony Martial (MUN)

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Alexis Sanchez is back to banging in the goals for Arsenal. He’s been fantastic for the north London club since his move from Barcelona. His speed, vision, and work rate will be a huge boost going down either flank for this team.

Anthony Martial has rebounded to save his United career. He’s been fantastic the Red Devils this season, proving to be a constance threat for goal. His dribbling and movement will cause nightmares for any opposition backline.

Striker: Romelu Lukaku (MUN)

I can hear the Arsenal fans complaining already. ‘How could Lukaku get in this team when he can’t even score anymore?’

The goals will come (Hopefully on Saturday). However, he brings much more to the team than just goal. He has four league assists this year to go along with eight goals he’s put away himself.

Lacazette, who is out with injury, only has seven strikes and one assists to claim for himself.

Next: Antoine Griezmann ‘rules nothing out’ on Manchester United transfer

The choice here is clear, and the Big Belgian is the one to lead the line for these super-star packed team.

What do you think about this combined XI? Did we miss anyone? Tweet us @reddevilarmada1 and let us know!

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