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Chelsea vs. Manchester United: Combined XI ahead of Premier League showdown

By Craig Pearson

Chelsea's Brazilian midfielder Willian (L) celebrates after scoring the opening goal of the English Premier League football match between Hull City and Chelsea at the KCOM Stadium in Kingston upon Hull, north east England on October 1, 2016. / AFP / Lindsey PARNABY / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 75 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo credit should read LINDSEY PARNABY/AFP/Getty Images)
Chelsea's Brazilian midfielder Willian (L) celebrates after scoring the opening goal of the English Premier League football match between Hull City and Chelsea at the KCOM Stadium in Kingston upon Hull, north east England on October 1, 2016. / AFP / Lindsey PARNABY / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 75 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo credit should read LINDSEY PARNABY/AFP/Getty Images) /
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MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – AUGUST 19: Daley Blind of Manchester United during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Southampton at Old Trafford on August 19, 2016 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images)
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – AUGUST 19: Daley Blind of Manchester United during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Southampton at Old Trafford on August 19, 2016 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images) /

Goalkeeper and Defense

Thibaut Courtois is not exactly endearing himself to the Chelsea fans as of late. The Belgian has failed to produce the same form as in previous years, and has even spoken publicly of a desire to return to Spain.

David De Gea remains reliable for Manchester United. The Spaniard did make a mistake a few weeks back against Stoke City. But in the main, De Gea remains one of the best in the Premier League and takes his place in our combined XI.

The Chelsea defense has been shambolic. After Conte changed to a three-man backline, things have improved – but it’s only been two games. So at centre-back it will be the United pairing of Eric Bailly and Daley Blind that occupy the central positions.

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 17: Eric Bailly of Manchester United in action with Philippe Coutinho of Liverpool during the Premier League match between Liverpool and Manchester United at Anfield on October 17, 2016 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Matthew Peters/Man Utd via Getty Images)
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 17: Eric Bailly of Manchester United in action with Philippe Coutinho of Liverpool during the Premier League match between Liverpool and Manchester United at Anfield on October 17, 2016 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Matthew Peters/Man Utd via Getty Images) /

Bailly has had the odd wobble, but overall has had a promising start to his Manchester United career. Blind has played left back recently, and still continued to churn out assured performances. The Dutchman can play almost anywhere in defense or midfield, but plays next to Bailly in our XI.

At right back, Antonio Valencia gets the nod. The Ecuador captain is decent defensive but offers great energy and width bursting forward from the back. At left back, Cesar Azpilicueta gets into the team.

The Spaniard has suffered along with the rest of his teammates, but is usually reliable defensively at the very least. Luke Shaw has been sidelined through injury for United, whilst Marcos Alonso hasn’t set the world alight just yet for the Blues.

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