It is always a big game between Man Utd and Arsenal and there never has been too much of a gap between the clubs and that certainly applies to the respective current squads.
Both clubs are in a sense of flux at the moment, both seem to have similar issues, especially with their managers and certain high profile individuals and this feels like a good time to see what sort of combined eleven can be put together.
For the purposes of this exercise, I am assuming that all players are fit, I am also going with a standard 4-4-2 formation.
Goalkeeper
Tricky one this because on his day David de Gea is one of the best keepers in the world but his form has been poor over the last season but at the same time Bernd Leno has not been error-free either. Strictly on form it has to be Leno.
Right-Back
I am going to go with Aaron Wan-Bissaka over Hector Bellerin, it was a toss-up but Wan Bissaka looks the better defender while Belelrin looks the better attacking option, but it is defence that is my priority.
Centre Half
I have to go with Harry Maguire, he is better than most of our defenders and also a potent attacking force.
Centre Half
My second centre half is Rob Holding, he was in good form prior to his injury and he looked very good on his return to action against Nottingham Forest.
Left-Back
It has to be Kieran Tierney, United do not have a left-back that is anything like Tierney.
Right Midfield
Going on a wing and a prayer with this one because Nicholas Pepe has yet to show his full potential but I am very confident that we will soon see him in full flow.
Centre Midfield
You cannot leave Paul Pogba out, he is just too good, he may be having mixed games recently but on his day is world-class.
Centre Midfield
Make no mistake that Dani Ceballos is a top-class midfielder, he has shown what he can do for both Spain and Arsenal this season and would be the creative spark in the team.
Left Midfield
David James has been brilliant for United so far this season and is probably the in-form player from both teams right now.
Forward
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang cannot be left out, he is a goalscoring machine that United can only dream about.
Forward
The same applies to Alexandre Lacazette, United simply do not have a forward of his quality and he is the perfect partner for Auba.
Team
Leno
Wan-Bissaka
Maguire
Holding
Tierney
Pepe
Pogba
Ceballos
James
Aubameyang
Lacazette
So, that is seven Arsenal players and four Man Utd players which I feel is a fair distribution based on the current state of the respective squads.
D.Gea, Bellerin, Holding, Maguire, Tierney,Guengduozi, Pogba,Ozil,Pepe, Lacazette, Aubameyang
I’m happy with your combined 11
Honestly I’m more concerned on who Emery will choose for the Arsenal 11 on Monday
Mine would be
Leno
Bellerin/Chambers
Tierney
Holding
Luiz/Chambers
Torreira
Guendouzi/Wilock
Ceballos
Pepe
Martinelli/Saka
Aubameyang
No Xhaka, Niles, Sokratis, Mustafi, Ozil for United
Innit, I seriously Love your line up. Exactly what I have in mind
For my bench,I have Martinez,Wan-B,Shaw, Torreira,Saka,Ceballios,Martial, Chambers,Luiz,Willock,Martinelli
Totally agree with your combined eleven, Admin
Bissaka is definitely a better RB than Bellerin, whereas our forwards are superior to Martial and Rashford
I think I’ve said before on this site that Arsenal playing at away in the Premier League on Sunday night at Old Trafford will beat Man Utd and return to the Emirates Stadium with all the 3 points at stake in the match collected. So, my stance on the outcome of the match remain unchanged.
As for the Arsenal starting XI and 7 man Gunners bench that I believe if Unai Emery adopt my below Arsenal 18 man match day squad for the match and lineup my starting XI for the match in a 4-2-3-1 set up, Arsenal will definitely beat Man Utd. For the benefit of doubt I am reiterating my starting XI and 7 man Gunners bench for the match below for seen.
Starts:
Leno;
AMN Sokratis Luiz Kolasinac;
Torreria Xhaka;
Pepe Guendouzi Saka;
Aubameyang.
Bench:
Martinez Chambers Mustafi Tierney Ceballos Willock Martinelli.
I tend to differ. Bassed on fitness and form I would go for
Leno
Chambers, Holding, Luiz, kolasnic
Terroira, Guedozzi,
Ozil
Pepe, Martinelli, Aubamayang
Auba can switch positions with Martinelli
My bench,
Martinez, Bellarin, Tierney, Ceballos, xhaka, saka, Nelson
Are you serious? As if you don’t consider form and did not watch Tuesday’s match. You are really Emery’s brother.
Put up your lineup! Bellarin, Tierney should be eased back or otherwise we will regret loosing them once more due to avoidable injuries
On the choice of GK, you said it had to be Leno strictly on form. But in the full list at the end of your article, you gave it to De Gea. So which is which?
It is Leno, thanks for pointing that out, will be corrected