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Manchester derby combined XI

Manchester United host Manchester City in a star-studded derby at Old Trafford but who would feature if the two squads were combined?

THIS weekend sees the first Manchester derby of the season - and already it's a top of the table clash.

It's Jose Mourinho v Pep Guardiola in what could be the most fiercely contested derby in years.

Guardiola and Mourinho will be back in opposing dugouts
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Guardiola and Mourinho will be back in opposing dugoutsCredit: Getty Images

SunSport has put together a combined XI ahead of the clash - and it's no easy task.

GK - David De Gea

De Gea has looked solid for United so far this season
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De Gea has looked solid for United so far this seasonCredit: Getty Images

YOU can't really look beyond the Spaniard.

With all that Real Madrid talk behind him, he's matured into a superb keeper and United have conceded just once in three games so far.

City have had the whole saga with Joe Hart and Claudio Bravo will look to take over the No1 duties - but it's De Gea who gets the nod.

RB - Bacary Sagna

Pep has trusted Sagna at right-back - and we would do the same
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Pep has trusted Sagna at right-back - and we would do the sameCredit: Getty Images

ANTONIO VALENCIA has started the season in fine form - but the Frenchman just wins this battle.

Guardiola has immediately invested in City's fragile defence and Sagna's early season performances have been excellent.
His energy down the right would be invaluable in this team.

LB - Luke Shaw

On his day Shaw is one of the most promising English prospects
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On his day Shaw is one of the most promising English prospectsCredit: PA:Press Association

THE former Southampton man is back and is narrowly ahead of Aleksander Kolarov here.

His injury hit season last term slowed his development somewhat but if Shaw can stay fit he can make the troublesome left-back position his own at Old Trafford.

He provides bounds of youthful energy going both forward and back.

CB - Eric Bailly

Bailly has looked assured since his summer switch
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Bailly has looked assured since his summer switchCredit: PA:Press Association

IT'S early days for Bailly at Old Trafford, but he already looks an inspired signing.

United never looked this composed and solid last season - even when Louis van Gaal was grinding out results with his coma-inducing style of play.

The Ivorian is the presence that was lacking in that side and is a worthy entry here.

Our tinfoil hat is firmly on, John Stones fans.

CB - Vincent Kompany (c)

Kompany revels in the derby stage
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Kompany revels on the big stage and can be the vital leaderCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd

THIS might be a little controversial - but the City skipper is a man for the big occasion.

We've seen it all before - THAT header in 2011, the wild celebrations following the 6-1 triumph.

He revels in the passion that this fixture stirs up and as long as he could stay fit would skipper this side.

AML - David Silva

Silva has the ability to turn a game on itself
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Silva has the ability to turn a game with a moment of magicCredit: Reuters

THE creative spark, it seems a shame to put the little Spaniard out on the left.

But his influence can be felt all over the pitch when he gets going and is almost impossible to leave out this XI.

City will be looking at Silva to pull the strings on Saturday with Sergio Aguero out.

AMR - Raheem Sterling

Sterling has surprised pretty much everybody with his start to the season
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Sterling has surprised pretty much everybody with his start to the seasonCredit: Getty Images

IF we'd done have done this a month ago, we'd have laughed if anyone had even suggested Sterling.

But the former Liverpool winger looks a completely different beast under Pep - all swagger, feints and most importantly, end product.

Guardiola will be hoping this run of form carries on this weekend.

CM - Paul Pogba

Pulling the strings in midfield is Paul Pogba
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Pulling the strings in midfield is Paul PogbaCredit: Getty Images

THE WORLD's most expensive player and potentially the biggest influence on the pitch.

Pogba has emerged as one of the best central midfielders in the game and although his true talents haven't yet been shown he's hardly had time to adapt to life back in England.

He walks into this team despite the competition.

CM - Kevin De Bruyne

De Bruyne has a knock of scoring in crucial games
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De Bruyne has a knock of scoring in crucial gamesCredit: Reuters

THE Belgian whizkid has established himself as the main threat in the No10 role at City.

His set-piece delivery and knack for coming up with crucial goals makes him a crucial pick.

Who would've though a year ago they wouldn't miss Yaya Toure?

 

ST - Zlatan Ibrahimovic

On current form Zlatan is the first name on the teamsheet
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On current form Zlatan is the first name on the teamsheetCredit: Reuters

EVEN the most optimistic of United fans have been surprised by how good Ibra has looked since his move from PSG.

Clinical, strong and seemingly made to work with Mourinho, on current form the Swede is a surefire starter in this side.

With De Bruyne, Silva and Sterling supplying the ammunition, Zlatan would have a field day.

ST - Sergio Aguero

Aguero is the best striker in the league
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Aguero is one of the finest finishers in the worldCredit: PA:Press Association

THE Premier League's most deadly finisher.

It's a shame he won't feature on Saturday after a daft elbow on Winston Reid, but there's no doubt he would form an excellent partnership with Ibrahimovic.

Expect him to be firing when he returns from his three-match ban.

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