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The latest chapter in arguably English football’s fiercest rivalry in modern times will unfold this Sunday as Manchester United travel to the Emirates. It has just been a few months into the new season, and yet, pride apart, the fixture has a lot at stake. Arsene Wenger is under intense scrutiny after a crushing defeat at Olympiacos in the Champions League, while Louis van Gaal’s army, despite sitting pretty at the top of the league table, have been unconvincing.With just three points separating the two teams, the fixture may prove to be crucial in the run-in for the Premier League crown, and both sets of fans will be desperate for a victory. With the Red Devils setting off on their quest for three points in North London, we take a look at the best combined XI with players from both teams.Note: Players picked on form and availability only. Formation: 4-2-3-1
#1 Goalkeeper
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The goalkeeping department is one where both teams can truly boast of being on par with the best in the world. Two top class keepers in David De Gea and Petr Cech make this a hard choice. Barring the horrendous start he had against West Ham, Cech has been consistently solid at the back for Arsenal, but the Spaniard gets the nod ahead of the former Chelsea legend by virtue of his superior agility and reflexes.
The Manchester United number one has admirably settled back into his role after the transfer deadline day fiasco which saw a move to Real Madrid fall through. David De Gea has picked off where he left off last season, making United’s rather shoddy back-line seem impenetrable at times.
He has already pulled off some spectacular saves to keep the Red Devils in the game. Particularly of note were his heroics in United’s 3-2 win against Southampton, where he kept out a superb header from Fonte and again saved from Pelle at the death – both efforts that seemed destined for the back of the net.
#2 Defence
On the right flank, Arsenal’s Hector Bellerin narrowly gets the nod ahead of United’s Matteo Darmian, who has been employed on the left following Luke Shaw’s injury. The Italian has settled well into life at United and has been a consistent performer for the Red Devils, but Bellerin gets the nod by virtue of his tremendous pace and energy that offers a dangerous outlet in the wide areas.
Chris Smalling has been a rock at the back for United this season. Ever since that fateful game at the Etihad last season where he got sent off, he has gotten better with each game and is now one of the best centre backs in the Premier League. His assuredness and physical presence have been vital in United conceding the least number of goals among all teams in the league.
The injury suffered by Laurent Koscielny during the Champions League encounter keeps him out of Sunday’s clash and makes him unavailable. The unreliability of Per Mertesacker means that Daley Blind gets the nod, by virtue of his superb understanding partnership with Smalling. His defensive frailties are compensated by his ability to act like a number 10 at times, providing brilliant cross-field passes, and popping up at the right moment as an outlet for attack.
Luke Shaw’s blistering performances before his horror injury meant he would have been a walk in for left-back, but his absence means that the left flank will be covered by Arsenal’s Nacho Monreal who may not be as eye-catching as the England international, but has been admirably solid for Arsenal since he replaced Kieran Gibbs in the starting lineup.
#3 Midfield
Even Louis van Gaal has selection headaches choosing from a midfield replete with stars. Add in Arsenal’s midfield which is arguably among the best in the league, at least on paper, and this section becomes the hardest to pick.
Morgan Schneiderlin, Michael Carrick and Bastian Schweinsteiger have given Van Gaal serious depth in the central midfield position and each of them have been rotated frequently by the Dutchman and have been effective in their own way. Bastian Schweinsteiger gets the nod courtesy of his ability to single-handedly dictate the tempo of the game, and the sheer amount of experience that he brings to the table.
The initial few matches saw Van Gaal employ him with caution, due to concerns about his fitness. But the German captain has made four 90-minute appearances in five games for United putting all concerns to rest, and his intelligence has proved crucial for United at times.
Schweinsteiger is partnered in the centre with Arsenal’s Francis Coquelin. Without the Frenchman at the back, Arsenal have suffered, as seen in the Olympiacos game. He is Arsenal’s best central midfielder at the moment and his presence has been key for the Gunners – both in stopping the opposing teams attacks from developing or in instigating the forward line with incisive passing.
Juan Mata’s form at the moment sees him pick himself for the role of attacking midfielder. The Spaniard is probably the first name on the team sheet at United at the moment. His only real competition for the slot are Mesut Ozil and Santi Cazorla.
Though the two Arsenal midfielders have created the most chances in the League, Mata has the numbers that matter in his favour (3 goals and 3 assists in the EPL). He has been playing off the right flank for United and has exceeded all expectations from that position. Here he features in his favoured central midfield role.
#4 Attack
The attack is led by none other than Manchester United new-boy Anthony Martial, who has settled into life in the Premier League admirably well. The 19-year-old Frenchman has the speed and strength to get past the best of defences and has shown composure far beyond his years with some sublime displays in a United shirt.
He's got world class potential, there is no doubt about it.
Alexis Sanchez on the left is a no-brainer choice. The Chilean is Arsenal’s best player by a mile, and his devastating hat-trick is just a sample of what he is capable of. His lack of goals before that game was due to bad luck, rather than any lack of effort on his part.
He is the most threatening outlet Arsenal have and his pace and trickery will continue to leave defenders in his wake.
Theo Walcott gets the nod to round off the attack. The England international has featured more as a striker this season and has shown that he has finally got down the art of finishing from goalscoring chances he creates with his stupendous pace.
He has scored 12 goals in his last 13 league starts for the Gunners. Giroud’s profligacy in front of goal and Arsenal’s lack of any other choice now make him first choice striker for Wenger. His form will be crucial for the Gunners to mount a real push for the title.
Substitutes: Petr Cech, Matteo Darmian, Morgan Schneiderlin, Santi Cazorla, Mesut Ozil, Wayne Rooney
