The colourful, explosive rivalry between Arsenal and Manchester United is set for its latest installment on Saturday as the Red Devils pay a visit to Emirates Stadium.
Whereas in the heyday of this rivalry the two teams were evenly matched across the pitch, now there’s a fair distinction. United have the stronger defence and more reliable midfield, but Arsenal have a thrilling attack thanks to two truly world-class players. So who would you pick from each team?
Here’s a look at a combined XI from the Arsenal and Manchester United squads ahead of Saturday’s game.
DAVID DE GEA
It’s not often that the choice for keeper in a combined XI involving United is a tough one. It’s also not often that David de Gea has to go up against Petr Cech, who is one of the best goalkeepers in the history of the Premier League. But while the Arsenal keeper is still among the best in the league, De Gea has a fair claim to be the best in the world.
ANTONIO VALENCIA
When Jose Mourinho and then United fans started to hail Antonio Valencia as the best right-back in the league, it seemed like the height of bias – and then he started justifying that tag. While his closest rival, Kyle Walker, makes the headlines, the Ecuadorian quietly goes about his business, and is rightly earning the acclaim thrown his way.
ERIC BAILLY
While many players take time to adapt to the Premier League, Eric Bailly took to England like a fish to water. The 23-year-old is already Manchester United’s best centre-back, and he’s only going to get better. There have been no signs of second season syndrome, either, showing that the Ivorian’s focus and commitment are exactly what a manager wants.
LAURENT KOSCIELNY
He’s close to getting usurped by Shkodran Mustafi for the title of Arsenal’s best defender, but Laurent Koscielny is still hanging onto top spot at the moment. When he’s fit he brings some level of composure and solidity to Arsenal’s defence, and those are characteristics the Gunners backline sorely needs.
SEAD KOLASINAC
Mohamed Salah might be stealing the headlines and running away with the unofficial transfer of the season award, but Sead Kolasinac can stake his own claim. He’s quickly become Arsenal’s do-everything man, capable of playing at left wing-back, left-back, and centre back, and at times looking ready to play in midfield or attack, too and he does it all with a ferocity that is astonishing. Don’t forget, he cost Arsenal the grand sum of zero pounds this summer.
PAUL POGBA
Some of the criticism levied at Paul Pogba last season was justified, but a lot of it was down to his £90million price tag. This season, he’s started silencing the critics. United’s slump during his injury absence, and their subsequent return to form once he came back, highlighted what he brings to his team.
Pogba has a chance to provide a signature moment on Saturday.
NEMANJA MATIC
Nemanja Matic has a strong claim to be the best midfielder on either side of this rivalry. While his availability for Saturday’s clash is in doubt, his value is clear – both in how he’s improved United this season, and in how he’s exactly the sort of player Arsene Wenger has been looking for in midfield for years.
ALEXIS SANCHEZ
Alexis Sanchez is finally shaking off the disappointment of not getting a summer move, and slowly getting back to this best for Arsenal. In recent games, his link-up play with Alexandre Lacazette and Mesut Ozil has been sublime, and it’s helped Sanchez rediscover top form.
MESUT OZIL
There’s a strong chance that when picking this team next season, Ozil will still be in the XI, but as a Manchester United player. Not that he needs to convince Mourinho of his abilities – no manager has gotten the best out of Ozil the way Mourinho did at Real Madrid – and, at this point, he shouldn’t even have to convince anyone else. The German has been in brilliant form, and on Saturday he could easily put United to the sword, future employers or not.
ANTHONY MARTIAL
Unexpectedly stunning debut Premier League season, followed by a second season in which he regressed, and now this. Anthony Martial has hit a new level this season, leaving embarrassed defenders in his wake game after game, scoring and assisting at an impressive rate, and right now he has a slight edge over fellow explosive youngster Marcus Rashford. Whichever of the two plays on Saturday will be a handful for Arsenal right-back Hector Bellerin.
ROMELU LUKAKU
A summer which saw three of last season’s top six spend big money on strikers was always going to lead to an obvious debate about which of Arsenal, Chelsea, and Manchester United did the best business. While the jury’s still out, especially with Romelu Lukaku‘s recent loss of form coinciding with Alexandre Lacazette and Alvaro Morata scoring crucial goals, but between Lukaku and Lacazette, the Belgian just about edges it.
