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Alexis Sanchez, Paul Pogba and Anthony Martial in our Arsenal-Manchester United combined XI, but who starts in attack?

Former Premier League arch-rivals meet up at the Emirates on Saturday, and we look at best line up from available players

ARSENAL welcome Manchester United this weekend with both sides in desperate need of a victory.

This was the Premier League's most anticipated match for a decade from the mid-1990s to the mid-2000s.

 Fans will be hoping to see another classic Arsenal vs Manchester United contest
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Fans will be hoping to see another classic Arsenal vs Manchester United contestCredit: Getty Images
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But the emergence of Chelsea and later Manchester City as a major force has seen this clash take a back seat.

Jose Mourinho's arrival at United has re-ignited his public feud with Arsene Wenger, but there is still far less quality on the pitch now than back then.


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The Red Devils started the season well, but will need a win here just to stay eight points behind City, while the Gunners are fighting to stay in contention for a top four place.

So who would make a combined XI? We take a look — using only players available for the Emirates encounter.

Goalkeeper

David De Gea, Manchester United

 David De Gea would get into most teams and is arguably best in world
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David De Gea would get into most teams and is arguably best in worldCredit: Reuters

A relatively simple choice.

Petr Cech has been a Premier League great, winning a medal on four occasions.

But he is clearly struggling now, while De Gea is arguably the best goalkeeper on the planet.

Defence

Laurent Koscielny, Arsenal

 Arsenal's leader has matured in recent seasons and is a rock at the back
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Arsenal's leader has matured in recent seasons and is a rock at the backCredit: AFP

Has been superb for Arsenal, and is developing into a leader at the back.

Koscielny has improved so much since arriving in 2010 and now is one of the best in the league in his position.

Victor Lindelof misses out, despite showing signs of progress against Brighton and Watford.

Shkodran Mustafi, Arsenal

 Shkodran Mustafi endeared himself to Arsenal fans with goal against Tottenham
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Shkodran Mustafi endeared himself to Arsenal fans with goal against TottenhamCredit: AFP

Looked to be leaving in the summer, with Juventus and Inter Milan.

But Arsenal fans will have been relived to see Mustafi stay — and a goal against Tottenham does little harm to his standing among the Emirates faithful.

Beats Chris Smalling here.

Marcos Rojo, Manchester United

 Marcos Rojo has been shaky since return from injury but impressed last season
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Marcos Rojo has been shaky since return from injury but impressed last seasonCredit: AFP

He may only be coming back from injury, but he was United's best defender last season.

Rojo is rash and often lightweight, but has good positional sense — offering a good balance to the backline.

Gets in ahead of Nacho Monreal due to the fact he is better suited to a central role.

Wing backs

Right — Antonio Valencia, Manchester United

 Manchester United's stand-in skipper Antonio Valencia is enjoying new role
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Manchester United's stand-in skipper Antonio Valencia is enjoying new roleCredit: AFP

United's stand-in skipper has taken superbly to his new role and was arguably the best right-back in the Premier League last season.

Valencia never neglected his defensive duties while performing in a move advanced position earlier in his career.

That has helped him adapt well, and he beats off competition from Hector Bellerin.

Left — Sead Kolasinac, Arsenal

 Sead Kolasinac has proven a brilliant signing since arriving on a free in summer
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Sead Kolasinac has proven a brilliant signing since arriving on a free in summerCredit: Getty

Not much more you can ask for from a free transfer.

Kolasinac has been a brilliant addition defensively, while also contributing at the other end.

United's Ashley Young has played well here this season, but misses out.

Midfield

Nemanja Matic, Manchester United

 Nemanja Matic has struggled in absence of Paul Pogba, but is still important
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Nemanja Matic has struggled in absence of Paul Pogba, but is still importantCredit: Reuters

Started off excellently following his big-money move from Chelsea, but has been a little bypassed in recent games.

Mistakes have crept into Matic's game of late, but that could be down the absence of Paul Pogba and a general lack of protection.

And he beats Granit Xhaka to make the side, despite the Swiss ace's improvement and stunning goal in this fixture last season.

Paul Pogba, Manchester United

 Manchester United seriously struggled during Paul Pogba's period out
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Manchester United seriously struggled during Paul Pogba's period outCredit: AFP

His quality was evidenced by how much United struggled during his absence.

Pogba's vision, range of passing and ability to turn defence into attack mark him out as the most important player in Mourinho's side.

Comfortably makes it in ahead of Aaron Ramesy.

Attack

Alexis Sanchez, Arsenal

 Alexis Sanchez is arguably the best player in Premier League on his day
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Alexis Sanchez is arguably the best player in Premier League on his dayCredit: AFP or licensors

On his day he is a contender to be the Premier League's best player — and arguably possesses more quality than anyone else across these two sides.

But one of Sanchez's main issues is dealing with the fact he is still at Arsenal, despite his head clearly being elsewhere.

Beats Marcus Rashford in this team, due in part also to the England man's recent struggles in front of goal.

Anthony Martial, Manchester United

 Anthony Martial needs to find consistency to be considered among the best
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Anthony Martial needs to find consistency to be considered among the bestCredit: AFP

The Frenchman is so good, he can be anything he wants to be — but what does he want to be?

Consistency is the key for Martial and he needs to single-handedly win his team a big match before he can truly be consider among the best.

Beats Mesut Ozil in this team because, on his day, he is a better player at this moment in time.

Romelu Lukaku, Manchester United

 Romelu Lukaku has eight goals and four assists but is on a barren spell currently
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Romelu Lukaku has eight goals and four assists but is on a barren spell currentlyCredit: Getty

The goals may have dried up in recent times, but the Belgian has led the line well in most games for his new club.

Lukaku's eight goals and four assists are superior to Alexandre Lacazette — who is injured — and would have seen him get the nod regardless.

Needs to do it in a big game for United and this would be the perfect place to start.

Paul Pogba, Romelu Lukaku and Jesse Lingard show off their moves after victory
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