FA Cup 4th Round: Arsenal-Manchester United Combined XI

Things are always feisty between Manchester United and Arsenal
Things are always feisty between Manchester United and Arsenal

The two most successful sides in FA Cup history, Arsenal (13) and Manchester United (12) line-up for a box office clash at the Emirates Stadium for the 4th round of the FA Cup on Saturday.

These two sides have plenty of history, especially in this competition, where we have seen some classics over the years. In fact, over 14 contests, the two sides cannot be split, with each winning 7 games apiece.

The last 3 times Arsenal knocked out Manchester United, they have gone on to win the FA Cup, while United have only lost one of their last 14 Round 4 encounters in the competition.

It's been 5 years since there's been a goalless draw in this encounter. This time around, both sides are loaded with talent and plenty of options to change the game in their favor, and in this article, we name a combined XI from the two sides.


Goalkeeper: David De Gea

'The best in the world?' While that statement could have been considered hyperbole from Manchester United fans a while ago, the Spaniard is cementing his status as the world's best with every passing game.

There are no noticeable weaknesses in his armoury and his importance to his side cannot be understated. Arsenal should just ask their North London rivals Tottenham Hotspur about De Gea, as United's #1 proved to be the difference between United and Spurs when the two sides met recently.


Centre-backs:

Tottenham Hotspur v Manchester United - Premier League
Tottenham Hotspur v Manchester United - Premier League

Victor Lindelof

While the Swedish centre-back might not have even been considered for this squad at the beginning of this season, he has grown leaps and bounds and has firmly established himself as the most reliable defender for Manchester United.

He has played alongside a number of partners and has displayed great tactical nous and an ability to play the ball out from deep.

Laurent Koscielny

One of the Premier League's best centre-back's when fit, Arsenal will be thrilled to see Koscielny back in the squad ahead of this encounter. The Frenchman scored against Chelsea recently and will come into this game high on confidence.

Full-backs:

Arsenal FC v Chelsea FC - Premier League
Arsenal FC v Chelsea FC - Premier League

Right back: Hector Bellerin

Bellerin's injury comes at a most unwelcome time for the Gunners as the Spaniard is one of the key cogs in Unai Emery's setup. One of the fastest players in the Premier League, Bellerin walks into this squad based on his overall ability, and the lack of a settled right-back at Manchester United.

Left-back: Luke Shaw

The young English full-back Luke Shaw is one of the easiest selections in the XI. After returning from a long-term injury and going through a rough patch with United's former boss Mourinho, he is finally living up to his potential.

Shaw has been one of the keys for United all season and has displayed incredible consistency, both at the back and going forward. Shaw is one of the success stories this season and will be determined to put in a strong performance against Arsenal.

Midfielders:

Manchester United v Brighton & Hove Albion - Premier League
Manchester United v Brighton & Hove Albion - Premier League

Nemanja Matic

Dispelling concerns over his effectiveness in the recent weeks, Matic has shown good form under Ole Gunner Solskjaer and helps protect the back-line superbly. The 30-year-old has shown his vision under the Norweigien and can dictate the tempo of the game as well as be a good leader on the pitch.

Lucas Torreira

It has been a fantastic few months for Lucas Torreira, who has carried his good form from the FIFA World Cup to his new club Arsenal. Torreira can make up a great amount of ground on the pitch, and his energy can be infectious, helping to raise the energy level of the entire squad.

Paul Pogba

Paul Pogba has had a whirlwind few months. After the high of the World Cup, he suffered an indifferent start to the season under Jose Mourinho. However, under new management, the Frenchman is back to his best, contributing both goals and assists to United's cause.

Forwards

Cardiff City v Manchester United - Premier League
Cardiff City v Manchester United - Premier League

Marcus Rashford

Almost no player has benefitted from Ole Gunner Solskjaer's appointment as has the young English forward, Marcus Rashford. The striker scored the very first goal in the Ole era and has continued to show great form, edging out Romelu Lukaku for a starting berth.

His confidence is sky-high and he is capable of creating something out of nothing at the moment.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang

'Auba' has been a man on fire since joining Arsenal, delivering the goods on a nightly basis since joining the club. Currently in second place for goalscorers in the Premier League this season, he could very well finish the season on top and is one of the keys for Arsenal's success.

Anthony Martial

One of the toughest decisions in the squad was whether to pick Martial or Lacazette as the final member of the squad. While both Frenchman have equally good credentials, the United forward edges out his compatriot as he lends more balance to the rest of the squad and can play effectively on the left, supporting Rashford and Aubameyang.

Notable absentees - Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez

Both Ozil and Sanchez miss out on the combined XI due to their current form. Both players are certainly unsettled and performing way below their best.

Quick Links