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

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 – OCTOBER 20: Paul Pogba of Manchester United in action during the UEFA Europa League match between Manchester United FC and Fenerbahce SK at Old Trafford on October 20, 2016 in Manchester, England. (Photo by James Baylis – AMA/Getty Images) /

Central Midfield

The center of midfield has been a minefield for both managers. Mourinho trying to get Paul Pogba into his team, and in a position that brings out his strengths. Whilst also struggling to find in-form midfielders to partner him.

Marouane Fellaini was soon replaced by Ander Herrera as the workhorse of the United midfield, and Herrera is the first midfielder in our XI. The Spaniard is full of energy and is good technically also.

Herrera has done a good job being the guy to cover for the adventurous Pogba, so it’s only right the pair continue that trend in our team. Pogba gets a place in the midfield, too, but only because of a recent slight pickup in form and Chelsea’s lack of contenders.

Pogba has underwhelmed at United and has shown nowhere near the talent he actually possesses. Hopefully that will happen as time goes on. To help with that, we’re putting N’Golo Kante into this midfield in a three-man unit.

The Frenchman offers great energy, like Herrera, but is a better defender and wins the ball back with better regularity and aggression. The blend of the three should be defensively sound, whilst also giving Pogba the license to get forward and show the real Paul Pogba.

Who is out there somewhere. Promise.

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