Arsenal-Manchester United Combined XI

Juan Mata and Santi CazorlaThe Arsenal and Manchester United rivalry was stoked in the late ‘90s owing to the arrival of Arsene Wenger. The then new manager had the gall to challenge United’s status quo and it sparked an intense rivalry that continues to this day.The dynamics of the rivalry has changed over the years, but the intensity remains the same. This Saturday, Arsenal will welcome the Red Devils to the Emirates. Though the teams have fallen from their previous heights, the rivalry still remains. It will be an interesting affair between two teams that have struggled to get their campaigns going, but are desperate for a positive result.Here is a combined XI of the two teams featuring players who are available only.

#1 Goalkeeper - David De Gea

Wojciech Szczesny has failed to carry on the form that brought him the Golden Glove last season into this season. Although, he has not been to blame for Arsenal's defensive woes, he still does not exude the confidence he did last season. De Gea on the other hand, has been phenomenal.

The Spaniard has come on his own this season, and with his increasingly impressive performances looks set to displace Iker Casillas from the national team set-up. The quality of his performances have improved and his confidence is apparent every time he takes to the pitch. He has finally become the goalkeeper Alex Ferguson thought he would become when he signed him for £17.5 million in 2011.

A highlight reel of United’s season so far would show that more than Rooney, Di Maria and Mata, they have De Gea to thank for the majority of their points. Such has been his impact on Van Gaal’s side. The game against Everton was the pinnacle of his performances this season and perhaps in all of the Premier League so far.

If United are to thwart Arsenal today, they will need De Gea the most to keep the likes of Sanchez and Welbeck at bay.

#2 Right Back - Valencia

Valencia hasn't been Van Gaal's preferred option, but he has done well when called upon. In his 5 starts, he has played three different positions with his best performances coming at right back. His best performance this season came against City as he helped United prevent City from trouncing them.

He is the ultimate utility player and can be counted on to give decent performances in a range of positions. His work rate and attitude have prevented United from suffering too much in a department where they've encountered so many problems.

Rafael's injury and Smalling's inconsistency could have been expensive for United had it not been for Valencia.

#3 Center Back - Per Mertesacker

Mertesacker has failed to hit the heights of last season and this has shown in the team's defensive performances. Mertesacker at his best is the most influential and assured defender in the Arsenal line up, and is easily one of the best defenders in the league.

His dip in form this season can be attributed to an unconventional back four that Arsenal have been fielding due to injuries. The lack of cohesion among the defenders is most noticeable and it would be unwise to write off Mertesacker keeping these considerations in mind.

He has still performed admirably without his partner in crime: Koscielny. But Chambers’ presence on the right has made his performances look weaker than what it has been.

#4 Center Back - Nacho Monreal

Nacho Monreal is not a natural centre back. He has been thrown into the deep end by Arsene Wenger to cover for Arsenal’s lack of defenders; a fact which has been horribly exposed by Koscielny’s injury.

Monreal has put in assured performances, showing his ability to read the game and utilizing his experience to not get bullied by strikers. He has partnered Mertesacker well and has prevented Arsenal from catapulting into a disaster zone. Monreal has accumulated similar number of tackles, interceptions and clearances as Koscielny. This shows the amount of work he’s put to be an able partner to Mertesacker, and prevent any sort of wholesale changes to the back line’s approach to defending.

He has been found wanting on certain occasions. Better strikers have managed to best him quite easily, but this can be easily attributed to his inexperience in the position rather than any deficit in his gameplay.

If he can maintain his concentration for the full 90 minutes, United will find it extremely difficult to break Arsenal down.

#5 Left Back - Kieran Gibbs

There is something very Ashley Cole-esque about Kieran Gibbs. Having been converted from an attacking player, he has also shown tremendous potential as a left back. Gibbs has been in the Arsenal team for some time now, but his rise to prominence and reputation as a reliable defender has only been highlighted this season.

He is rarely ever troubled at the back. With his speed, he can match any attacker and with his awareness, he has been able to outwit almost every good winger that has come his way. It is a testament to his quality that teams prefer attacking down Arsenal’s right exponentially more than they do on Arsenal’s left.

In attack, too, he has made his mark. He can often be seen overlapping the attacking players and providing width to Arsenal’s attack. His crossing and link up play with the attackers has added a potent dimension to Arsenal’s attack.

#6 Midfield - Ander Herrera

One common complaint among United fans last season was their lack of presence in the midfield. That complaint has been addressed this season in the form of Ander Herrera.

After a much drawn out transfer saga, Herrera finally completed his move to United this summer. And judging by his performances so far, he has been worth the wait. United finally have a midfielder that is not only tidy in possession but also can use it to devastating effect.

Herrera is the complete package. He plays the deep lying role just as well as he does the number 10 role. As well as being a creative outlet, he has also incredible defensive nous and can be a difficult force to contend with in the middle of the park.

Though he hasn’t featured as much as he would have liked, he has still made his mark with the chances he’s got, with two goals and an assist coming from his 5 starts.

#7 Midfield - Jack Wilshere

The continuity brought about by Wilshere’s consistent selection has had an impact on his form which has been improving since the start of the season. Though, he hasn't yet reached the peak of his form, one gets the feeling that it won't be too long before we get to see his best.

He has found his spark again and has looked fearless in taking on defenders. With Ozil out of action, he has been important in carrying the ball to the final third and providing service to the front three. With his new role for England as a deep midfielder, he has also become more aware and is showing more responsibility on the pitch.

He has one goal and one assist to show for his exertions thus far. And looking at his recent displays for England, his chances of adding to that tally are highly optimistic.

#8 Midfield - Juan Mata

At the beginning of the season, it was feared that Mata was doomed to obscurity after being overlooked in favour of new boys Di Maria, Herrera and Blind. But he has clawed his way back into recognition, and is showing us why we all adored him the first place.

He has managed an impressive 3 goals from his 7 starts so far this season with his performance in the last match, against Crystal Palace being a particular highlight. Mata was a peripheral figure at United at the start of the season, with Van Gaal preferring Rooney in midfield and all the other midfield positions being taken by the new signings.

Through sheer hard work and dedication, he’s managed to reclaim his position in the first team. His chemistry with Angel Di Maria has been an important factor in United’s upturn in form. With the trajectory of his form so far, it might not be long before he reaches the levels that once made him a favourite at Stamford Bridge.

#9 Wide Midfielder - Angel Di Maria

Di Maria is arguably the most glamorous import of the Premier League this season. He hasn't failed to dazzle and his presence has made a huge difference to a lacklustre United squad.

With only 9 starts so far, he has scored 3 goals and assisted 5. Without missing a beat, despite having moved to a new country and team, he has carried on the form that helped Real Madrid win the Champions League last season.

His presence on the pitch has been a major boost to his team mates and the fans. He has played a variety of positions so far and has performed well in almost every position. He has shown creativity, flair and an eye for goal in his limited appearance for United thus far. And the expectation is that there will be more to come, once he’s properly settled in the team.

#10 Wide Midfielder - Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain

The diminutive English international has been at his best this season, being a constant thorn in the opposition's side. He is finally realizing his potential and has shown a real nous at beating defenders, and playing killer passes in the final third. So much so that he has been one of Arsenal's most potent threats in the final third.

Apart from his wing play, his versatility has also been a huge asset to the team this season. Chamberlain’s ability to switch to the midfield has allowed Wenger to switch tactics mid game and experiment with other options to find the right balance for his team.

He wasn't considered first choice at the start of the season. But with his performances so far, Wenger has a headache when he needs to pick between him, Walcott and Cazorla.

#11 Striker - Alexis Sanchez

At the beginning of the season, it would be hard to fathom an Arsenal striker making this XI – what with United having Rooney, Van Persie and Falcao. But this is what it is has come to. Alexis Sanchez has refused to live in their shadow.

Sanchez, the most exciting Arsenal signing this summer, hasn't let the initial excitement die down. He has been tenacious, hard working and every football fans' wildest fantasy. His impact has been immense with 8 goals and 2 assists coming of his 9 starts.

Another aspect of the player that has helped really endear him to the fans has been the pace with which he has adapted to the team. He can often be seen combining with Welbeck, Chamberlain and Gibbs, exhibiting a chemistry that betrays a long term comaraderie.

With Sanchez, irrespective of their performance in the game, Arsenal are almost always assured a goal.

#12 Manager - Arsene Wenger

Both managers have made stuttering starts to the campaign. None of them can lay an assertive claim to be being the better manager for this campaign, so it is Wenger that gets selected for this hybrid XI owing to his past experience in the Premier League.

Wenger has a history of spectacular recoveries, with the most memorable one being the ten consecutive victories attained at the end of the 2012/13 season to steal fourth place off of rivals Tottenham Hotspur.

The formation used is a 4-1-4-1 – a formation both teams have experimented with so far this season.

Substitutes: Lindegaard, McNair, Evans, Cazorla, Rooney, Van Persie

Arsenal vs Manchester United – Combined XI