Chelsea-United Combined Line-up
As Jose Mourinho’s Chelsea visit Louis van Gaal’s Manchester United, we look at the combined XI based on form in recent times. Some players might be left out despite being top talents, as they would be out of form. Only three Man Utd players make the list based on current form. Here is the line-up.
Goalkeeper:
David De Gea (Man Utd)
The Spaniard has been the most in-form keeper mostly because of Man Utd’s sloppy defence. He gets many decisive saves in the game as attackers breach Utd’s defence time and again. Courtois has much lesser job to do as Chelsea are very solid.
Defenders:
Right Back: Branislav Ivanovic (Chelsea)
He’s been in great form. He’s been a threat going forward as he’s a huge man. His defending has been sound and he looks like a very key player for Chelsea’s season.
Center Back: Gary Cahill (Chelsea)
Again, he has been in fine form this season. He’s been playing quite well with partner John Terry. His defending has been decisive to Chelsea’s success in the early part of the season.
Center Back: John Terry (Chelsea)
He’s led Chelsea well. His start to the season was a bit shaky as Chelsea leaked a few goals when he pressed forward, but he has stepped up as a real leader and contributor at the back.
Left Back: Filipe Luis ( Chelsea)
It is pointless to include any Man Utd defender. Filipe Luis hasn’t played a lot this season but he was very impressive against Moribor in midweek and also against Crystal Palace the other day. He’d be needed to provide energy and technique down the flanks.
Midfield: Nemanja Matic (Chelsea)
Matic has been the center back’s delight as he manages to shield the defence perfectly. He is good with the ball at his feet as he can get the passes rolling and he has vision to spot a key pass. He’s a crucial part of Chelsea’s success.
Midfield: Cesc Fabregas (Chelsea)
He’s another Chelsea player in form. Fabregas has been the team’s chief playmaker ticking well with Hazard, Oscar, Willian and Schürrle. Fabregas drives the team with his passes and already has a goal and seven assists in eight matches.
Midfield: Eden Hazard (Chelsea)
The Belgian has been playing well but not registering enough goals or assists. But, in the midweek game against Moribor, he literally ran the whole 90 minutes scoring a brace and forcing an own goal. He has been decisive in the big games against Man City and Arsenal.
Midfield: Angel Di Maria (Man Utd)
He’s been the only Man Utd outfielder who’s genuinely been consistent and in-form. He’s been full of creativity as he has helped Man Utd get wins and points single handedly. He is their most decisive player.
Midfield: Oscar (Chelsea)
Oscar or Daley Blind? Oscar for his consistency. He’s been among the goals recently and his work rate has been phenomenal. He has stood out against Arsenal and Crystal Palace considerably and teams cannot deal with the numbers as Chelsea’s midfield always has numerical advantage because of Oscar’s presence of mind and work rate.
Attacker:
Striker: Radamel Falcao (Man Utd)
Diego Costa, Loic Remy and Wayne Rooney apparently aren’t playing this game. Drogba and Van Persie aren’t at their best. This leaves us with superstar Falcao who’s still getting used to the league but is the sharpest of the available lot. He’s scored a hattrick against Chelsea before and would want to do something similar in the weekend.
