Man United vs Man City combined XI: De Gea or Hart?

CM: Morgan Schneiderlin (Manchester United)

A controversial choice maybe, but if you’re looking for a natural defensive midfielder then Morgan Schneiderlin is one of the best around. Apart from a poor performance against Wolfsburg earlier this season, the Frenchman has slotted into the side nicely since his move from Southampton. Louis van Gaal has admitted it was a mistake not playing him against the pace of Arsenal’s midfield – a match where you could see his worth to the team more due to his absence. Fernandinho has started the season in fantastic form but we don’t feel he’s as comfortable in the sitting role, while Bastian Schweinsteiger and Michael Carrick lack the legs and any real form.

CM: Yaya Toure (Manchester City)

A player that blows hot and cold, but Yaya Toure has to be in our XI due to his ability to be a match winner. Although he only has one league goal so far this term, the Ivorian is way ahead of any of his team-mates when it comes to performance stats and he does have four assists to his name. None of his competitors can match his power in the middle of the park and he often steps up when he’s needed.

Yaya Toure is a real match winner in the centre of midfield

RM: Kevin De Bruyne (Manchester City)

Eyebrows were raised when Manchester City splashed £55 million on the Belgian in the summer. But just a couple of months into his career at the Etihad the 24-year-old looks a real star. He’s only played nine times for the Sky Blues but has already scored five and assisted five other goals, easily transferring the fantastic form he showed for Wolfsburg last term.

AM: Juan Mata (Manchester United)

Although an injury to David Silva has made our decision easier, like Smalling and De Gea, Juan Mata has also been impressive for Manchester United since the turn of the year. Often overlooked in the first half of last season by Louis van Gaal, the Spaniard has played his way into the side with a string of high-quality performances. The 27-year-old has four assists and four goals in 11 appearances this season.

Juan Mata has four goals and four assists to his name this term

LM: Raheem Sterling (Manchester City)

Another big-money signing for City, Raheem Sterling has also enjoyed an impressive start to his career in Sky Blue. Although not as consistent as De Bruyne, the 20-year-old has shown he’s one of the most exciting young players in Europe with four goals and one assist in eight Premier League appearances so far this term. With Ashley Young struggling for games and fitness plus Memphis Depay losing his place recently, the England international was really the only option to play on the left.

Striker……