Chelsea vs Manchester United - Combined XI | Premier League 2021-22

Chelsea host Manchester United at Stamford Bridge in an enticing clash in the Premier League on Sunday.

The Blues are currently atop the table with 29 points from 12 games, having lost only once this campaign. The Red Devils, meanwhile, will play their first league game of the post-Ole Gunnar Solskjaer era. The Norwegian was sacked following the 4-1 loss at Watford last weekend.

Ahead of the mouth-watering kick-off, let's see how the two traditional rivals would stack up in a hypothetical combined XI:

---

Goalkeeper: Edouard Mendy (Chelsea)

UEFA's goalkeeper of the 2020-21 season

David de Gea has been a bright spot for United in a tumultuous season thus far. But he has looked shaky at times, and conceded plenty of goals. So we're going with Chelsea's excellent Edouard Mendy, who has been a bang for the buck since arriving from Rennes last year.

He has conceded only four goals in the league so far, the lowest among all keepers with at least ten appearances. The Chelsea custodian has kept seven clean sheets, the joint-most in the division.

Mendy is physically dominant, and has a command of his area. However, the Senegalese custodian will be challenged by the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Bruno Fernandes and Marcus Rashford.

Right-back: Reece James (Chelsea)

James has the highest goal contribution in the Chelsea squad, and he's a full-back.

There's no full-back in the world in better form than Chelsea's Reece James. He has scored and assisted four goals apiece in the league so far this season, numbers that can put an attacker to shame.

He also leads all Premier League defenders with the most chances created (2.8) in open play this season.

James has evolved massively under Tuchel. His speed and explosive energy down the flanks add a new dimension to Chelsea's attack. Meanwhile, his exquisite crossing ability is key to creating chances.

---

Centre-back: Antonio Rudiger (Chelsea)

The German is currently in peak form.

Another player who's having a fine season is Antonio Rudiger. The Chelsea centre-back delivered a defensive masterclass in the 4-0 drubbing of Juventus in the Champions League.

He has become adept in ball-recoveries, and refined his game-reading acumen. As was seem on Wednesday, the German is highly effective in counterpressing and laying progressive passes too.

---

Centre-back: Thiago Silva (Chelsea)

Chelsea are looking to extend Silva's contract again.

Thiago Silva must have surely found the elixir of youth. It's difficult to believe he's 37, considering his top-notch performances and consistency in Chelsea's defence.

His longevity is rarely discussed. Nevertheless, his commitment was on show on Wednesday when the Brazilian produced a superb goal-line clearance against Juventus.

---

Left-back: Marcos Alonso (Chelsea)

A golden chance for Alonso to impress.

Ben Chilwell's injury opens up a chance for Marcos Alonso to come into the Chelsea XI. He can now make a case to start as he also completes our all-Chelsea back-four in our hypothetical lineup.

The Spaniard has once again fallen behind in the pecking order. His attacking output isn't as glorious as Chilwell's, but defensively, he has been superb.

Defensive Midfielder: Jorginho (Chelsea)

The best holding midfielder in the world?

Chelsea's Jorginho has had an unbelievable year for both club and country. He has won several honours, both individual and collective, for his impeccable performances in midfield.

No player in the Premier League can match his footballing intelligence. The Italian's anticipation, vision and ability to intercept passes have been vital to Chelsea impeding opposition attacks.

---

Right Winger: Jadon Sancho (Manchester United)

Finally getting into form?

In his first game since Solskjaer's departure, Jadon Sancho burst into life. He scored in the 2-0 win at Villarreal. Sancho delivered a fine attacking performance, arguably his best in United's shirt thus far.

United will hope to see more of the same on Sunda, as the former Borussia Dortmund star looks to open his Premier League account.

---

Attacking Midfielder: Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United)

Fernandes has become a chance-creating machine this season.

With nine assists this season, Bruno Fernandes has been a creative inspiration for United. No player in the league has created more chances than the Portuguese wizard.

His partnership with compatriot and international teammate Ronaldo is also blossoming. Fernandes' tally of four strikes reflects his eye for goal too.

---

Left Winger: Marcus Rashford (Manchester United)

Rashford has five goals and three assists in 13 games versus Chelsea.

Marcus Rashford has struck thrice since returning from a shoulder injury last month. His goals have come against Leicester City, Tottenham Hotspur and Atalanta - a testament to his big-game prowess.

Rashford has five goals and three assists in 13 games against Chelsea during his career. Pacy, direct and clinical, the 24-year-old's performance on Sunday could be key in Manchester United beating Chelsea.

Striker: Cristiano Ronaldo (Manchester United)

Ronaldo has never scored against Chelsea in the league.

Since his sensational return to Manchester United in September, Cristiano Ronaldo has scored ten times across competitions.

More than half of them have been game-winning goals or late equalizers. That is a testament to his ability to deliver in the big moments.

However, he has scored just once in his last Premier League games, and has not scored a league goal against Chelsea. That is something he would like to correct this weekend, as he is one strike away from 800 goals for club and country.

---

Striker: Mason Mount (Chelsea)

Mount has had a fabulous year with Chelsea.

We've shunted Mason Mount out here for tactical reasons. He has been too good to be dropped from the list altogether. Mount has contributed five league goals in nine games this season.

Pacy, athletic and versatile, Mount can carry the ball forward under pressure. His deft footwork could be a real test of Manchester United's shaky defence.