EPL 2016/17: Arsenal vs Manchester United, Combined XI

FILE PHOTO (EDITORS NOTE: COMPOSITE OF TWO IMAGES - Image numbers (L) 609115656 and 632284824) In this composite image a comparision has been made between Arsene Wenger, Manager of Arsenal (L) and  Jose Mourinho, Manager of Manchester United.  Arsenal and Manchester United meet in a Premier League match at the Emirates Stadium on May 7, 2017 in London,England.   ***LEFT IMAGE*** NOTTINGHAM, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 20: Arsene Wenger, Manager of Arsenal looks on during the EFL Cup Third Round match between Nottingham Forest and Arsenal at City Ground on September 20, 2016 in Nottingham, England. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images) ***RIGHT IMAGE*** STOKE ON TRENT, ENGLAND - JANUARY 21: Jose Mourinho, Manager of Manchester United looks on during the Premier League match between Stoke City and Manchester United at Bet365 Stadium on January 21, 2017 in Stoke on Trent, England. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)
Old foes meet again in an all-important Premier League clash

Right-back: Antonio Valencia (Manchester United)

MIDDLESBROUGH, ENGLAND - MARCH 19:  Antonio Valencia of Manchester United celebrates scoring his sides third goal during the Premier League match between Middlesbrough and Manchester United at Riverside Stadium on March 19, 2017 in Middlesbrough, England.  (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)
The Ecuadorian has been sensational in the right back role

The makeshift full-back has been one of the most dependent of the faces for Manchester United this season as Valencia has slipped into his new role swiftly. Jose Mourinho termed him "the best right-back you can have" recently which is a huge compliment coming from the Special One.

His improved attacking intent along with his eagerness to defend close to his man means that Valencia keeps out Hector Bellerin from the combined eleven. Bellerin has faltered this season with many claiming that an interest from Barcelona might be the reason behind his loss in concentration and form.

Centre-back: Laurent Koscielny (Arsenal)

LONDON, ENGLAND - APRIL 30: Laurent Koscielny of Arsenal shows appreciation to the fans after the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal at White Hart Lane on April 30, 2017 in London, England.  (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)
Koscielny has been a strong presence for Arsenal

The Frenchman has been a strong presence at the back for Arsenal as his importance can be reflected in the matches that he missed this season with injuries. Arsenal look more assured with him in the side as Koscielny is not only a brilliant centre-back, he is a leader for his men and organises his troops accordingly.

An easy choice to make ahead of Chris Smalling and Marcos Rojo.

Centre-back: Eric Bailly (Manchester United)

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - APRIL 30:  Eric Bailly of Manchester United looks dejected as he is forced off injured during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Swansea City at Old Trafford on April 30, 2017 in Manchester, England.  (Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images)
Bailly has been an inspired signing for the Red Devils

Bailly has been Manchester United's best defender this season. His fearlessness, aerial prowess and tackling make him a player on whom the team can rest assured. He has been immense for the Red Devils this season and also proved his commitment in the recent weeks by playing through the pain barrier.

With Shkodran Mustafi recuperating from an injury, Eric Bailly is an obvious choice to partner Koscielny at the back.

Left-back: Daley Blind (Manchester United)

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 01: Daley Blind of Manchester United looks on during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Hull City at Old Trafford on February 1, 2017 in Manchester, England.  (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images)
Blind beats Monreal to this position

Playing as a central defender currently due to an injury crisis, Blind has done terrifically well to help Manchester United maintain their good record at the back. In this lineup, Blind has to play at left-back because of not having better options at this position from both sides.

Luke Shaw is injured while Kieran Gibbs and Nacho Monreal have struggled throughout the season to validate a spot ahead of the Dutchman.

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