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Combined Best XI: Manchester City vs. Manchester United

By Larry Henry

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 26: Zlatan Ibrahimovic of Manchester United controls the ball watched by Vincent Kompany during the EFL Cup Fourth Round match between Manchester United and Manchester City at Old Trafford on October 26, 2016 in Manchester, England. (Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images)
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 26: Zlatan Ibrahimovic of Manchester United controls the ball watched by Vincent Kompany during the EFL Cup Fourth Round match between Manchester United and Manchester City at Old Trafford on October 26, 2016 in Manchester, England. (Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images) /
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MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 26: Sergio Aguero of Manchester City runs with the ball during the EFL Cup Fourth Round match between Manchester United and Manchester City at Old Trafford on October 26, 2016 in Manchester, England. (Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images)
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 26: Sergio Aguero of Manchester City runs with the ball during the EFL Cup Fourth Round match between Manchester United and Manchester City at Old Trafford on October 26, 2016 in Manchester, England. (Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images) /


After their F.A. Cup semifinal exit last Sunday, Manchester City have a quick turnaround as they face off with Manchester United in an EPL showdown on Thursday. 

With only a handful of EPL matches left, Manchester City continue their fight for a top-four finish. Pep Guardiola‘s men however have a huge showdown on Thursday evening as Manchester United come to the Etihad.

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A victory for the Citizens tomorrow would see them jump into third place over Liverpool, but a defeat would see Manchester United knock Manchester City out of the top-four. In his post-match interview with BBC Sport, Pep Guardiola respected Manchester United’s ability ahead of tomorrow’s match.

“[Jose Mourinho and I] are neighbours. When we see each other we say ‘hi’. They [Manchester United] are good. Good rival, good quality and a long run in the Premier League without defeat.”
Ahead of tomorrow’s crucial Manchester Derby, we decided to choose a combined best XI between the sides. Players chosen were based on availability and form.

BURNLEY, ENGLAND – APRIL 23: David De Gea of Manchester United celebrates after team-mate Anthony Martial scored the opening goal during the Premier League match between Burnley and Manchester United at Turf Moor on April 23, 2017 in Burnley, England. (Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images)
BURNLEY, ENGLAND – APRIL 23: David De Gea of Manchester United celebrates after team-mate Anthony Martial scored the opening goal during the Premier League match between Burnley and Manchester United at Turf Moor on April 23, 2017 in Burnley, England. (Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images) /

Goalkeeper – David De Gea
The 26-year-old Spanish international has made 31 league appearances for Jose Mourinho’s squad this season. De Gea has 13 league clean sheets this season, which is tied for the league lead with Chelsea’s Thibaut Courtois and Tottenham’s Hugo Lloris. De Gea is an experienced keeper that is currently being watched by Spanish giants Real Madrid as their next #1 keeper. He is tall which always helps a keeper out, but is able to make himself even bigger when needed for saves. The best for De Gea is still yet to come, while Manchester United will hopefully look to keep hold of him for the long-run.