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Manchester United travel to Stamford Bridge on Tuesday for a massive game in the context of the top four race. United had a good winter transfer window as they completed the signing of Bruno Fernandes to add creativity to their midfield. The visitors will be looking to continue their good form against the hosts and get their third victory over Frank Lampard's side this season. This is a good opportunity for the visitors to cut down the gap of 6 points between these sides.
For Chelsea, this is the first of many important fixtures in the coming weeks. Lampard's side have not cemented their place in the top four due to their inconsistent form. They have been poor at home this season and lost to United at home earlier in the season in the League Cup. The hosts will be looking to make a statement in this game as they look to get back their form ahead of the business end of the season.
Both these teams are English football's giants. The Blues and Red Devils both are far from their past glory now, however, this should still be a superbly contested game with both teams desperate to take all 3 points. That being said, let's look at a combined XI of the two sides with players available for the game.
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Goalkeeper: David de Gea
David de Gea may not be performing at the extraordinary levels from a couple of seasons ago which made him one of the best goalkeepers in the world, however, he has been a reliable performer for the Red Devils.
Chelsea's Kepa Arrizabalaga overtook de Gea in the Spanish national team set-up earlier, however, Arrizabalaga's struggles this season combined with de Gea's reliable performances, the United number one takes the spot in this team.
De Gea has conceded 5 fewer goals than Arrizabalaga despite being ever-present in the United team. The Spaniard is not at his best anymore, however, it is clear that he has been the better player this season.
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Fullbacks: Reece James and César Azpilicueta
Chelsea's defense has been inconsistent this season and often criticized for conceding silly goals, however, both the Blues full-backs feature in this combined side because of the balance they offer to this team.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka has been highly consistent and reliable for United this season, but, his lack of contribution in attack stops him from featuring in this team. On the other hand, Reece James has been slowly integrated into the playing 11 by Frank Lampard. The young full-back has not played as many minutes as Wan-Bissaka, however, James has shown that he is very competent in both defending and attacking. His deliveries into the box have given the Blues another weapon in attack.
On the left, César Azpilicueta gets into the team ahead of both Luke Shaw. The Spaniard is not only an exceptional defender but, also provides leadership qualities to the team. He has been one of the most consistent and reliable performers in the Premier League for years, and, has continued to perform well this season as well.
Centre Backs: Harry Maguire and Andreas Christensen
Harry Maguire became the world's most expensive defender after signing for Manchester United for a record fee in the summer. He has come under fire at various points in the season, however, he has made a positive impact on Manchester United's defence. The defender has led United from the back this season, with a high passing success rate of 86.4%, and an average of 4 clearances per game - make him an obvious choice for this team.
Harry Maguire's partner in defense for this side is Andreas Christensen. The Danish international is a very good passer of the ball and is an excellent reader of the game. He started the season slowly because of injuries, however, he has been the best center-back for Chelsea since his return.
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Midfield: Fred, N'Golo Kanté, Bruno Fernandes
Picking the midfield was difficult because of the many options in both these teams.
N'Golo Kanté is a must-have in the holding midfield slot. The Frenchman has struggled with injuries this season, yet, he is rightly regarded as one of the best defensive midfielders in the world. He has added goals to his game with 3 goals in the Premier League already this season and averages an excellent 2.2 interceptions per game. He comfortably beats his former teammate Nemanja Matić here to be a part of this combined team.
Fred has been one of the best performers for Manchester United this season after a difficult start to his career in the Premier League. The Brazilian is an all-action midfielder. He averages 1.4 interceptions per game, and, 1.5 dribbles per game in the league this season. Although he is yet to score his first goal, the former Shakhtar Donetsk man has been continuously improving, and provides the perfect balance to the midfield of this combined team.
The playmaker position is a little difficult to pick as Mason Mount is not at his best currently, Juan Mata and Andreas Pereira have been ineffective, and, Ruben Loftus-Cheek has barely featured season.
Due to the reasons above and his potential, Bruno Fernandes is the creative midfielder in this team. The Portuguese has played only a single game for United, however, his performance showed why United spent a large amount to sign him. The midfielder has an eye for goal as proved by his record in Portugal. He likes to make dangerous passes and take shots at goal. The United faithful will be hoping that he is able to replicate his exceptional performances in England and be the creative spark missing from United's attack.
Wide Forwards: Willian and Daniel James
Due to the inconsistencies and injuries on both sides, the wings were perhaps the hardest area to choose for this combined side. Marcus Rashford would have been an obvious choice, however, he misses out due to injury.
After Eden Hazard's transfer to Real Madrid, the responsibility of leading Chelsea's young attack fell on the shoulders of Willian, and the Brazilian has not disappointed. The winger has 4 goals and 4 assists in the league this season as he tries to lead by example. He has continued his habit of performing well in big matches as proved by his Man of the Match display against Tottenham Hotspur. This could prove to be his final season in West London as he continues to discuss a contract extension with Chelsea, but the Blues faithful will hope that he continues his good performances in the second half of the season as well.
Daniel James has struggled for form recently after a bright start to his United career. However, the young winger has still performed admirably in his first season in the top flight. He has scored 3 goals and made 6 assists this season. The other aspect of his game is the effort he brings to the pitch during the game. The winger is full of energy and presses from the front. The United fans will hope that he can get back to the level he showed earlier in the season and continues to improve.
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Striker: Tammy Abraham
Tammy Abraham's exceptional performances make this the easiest position to pick in this combined side.
The Chelsea academy graduate is having a breakthrough season in the Premier League. The striker's scoring rate has come down recently, however, he still gets into this side ahead of Anthony Martial comfortably. Abraham has scored 13 goals and made 3 assists already this season.
Abraham has established himself as one of the most important players for Chelsea. The Blues have struggled without him in the side. Chelsea fans will hope that Abraham continues to score goals and stays injury as they look to end the season on a high.
