This Sunday sees the biggest clash left in the season in the race for the top-four as two of the biggest rivals in the Premier League go head-to-head when Manchester United host Chelsea.

Manchester United go into this fixture on the back of one of their worst runs in recent history, losing seven of their last nine games under boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

The Red Devils sit sixth in the table with three games remaining, and after losing their Champions League quarter-final match to Barcelona finishing in the top-four remains their only route into next season’s competition.

Chelsea visit Old Trafford this weekend after their 2-2 draw with Burnley on Monday night, a vital but disappointing point in a weekend where the other three teams in the top-four race lost.

Maurizio Sarri has come under fire this season, but his team currently sit fourth and are still in the Europa League, which can also grant qualification to the Champions League.

In midweek, United lost 2-0 to title-chasing Man City in the Manchester Derby to continue their poor run of form. But Arsenal’s 3-1 defeat at Wolves and Tottenham’s loss to West Ham United on Saturday means the race for a top-four spot is well and truly alive.

The two sides played out an entertaining 2-2 draw in October’s reverse fixture which saw Ross Barkley score a 96th minute equaliser. But United made up for late heartbreak in February when they went to the Bridge and won 2-0 in the FA Cup thanks to goals from Paul Pogba and Ander Herrera.

Ahead of this crucial clash on Sunday, Shoot has put together our very own Manchester United and Chelsea combined XI…

Do you agree with our selection? Or, which players do you think we have missed out?
Comment below with your tactical suggestions!

*The combined XI follows a traditional 4-3-3 formation and takes into account suspensions and injury.  

Goalkeeper: David de Gea (Manchester United)

There is little doubt who the best goalkeeper in the Premier League has been in recent years.

Despite the Spaniard coming under fire recently with a few mistakes in United’s recent poor run, there is no question De Gea gets the nod over his fellow countryman Kepa.

Despite only keeping seven clean sheets this season compared to Kepa’s 13 he has many more years of experience to his name and time after time has performed in big games.

Right-back: Cesar Azpilicueta
(Chelsea)

Chelsea’s right-back has had many different roles across the back-four under different managers during his time at the club, playing left-back, centre-back and right-back.

This season he has adopted the right-back role in many of his games and has proved just how versatile he is as a defender.

Playing 35 games for Chelsea in the Premier League this term he has made the sixth most passes at 2,263, which is testament to the way Sarri likes to play out from the back.

Centre-back: Antonio Rudiger (Chelsea)

Ever since signing for Chelsea two years ago the German has been an integral part of their back line (backline.- write as one word).

At just 26, Rudiger has become a formidable defender and has shown time and time again he is a top performer.

Sitting fourth on the list for passes completed in the league this season at 2,509, he is one of the main reasons that Kepa sits third in the clean sheets table this term.

Centre-back: David Luiz (Chelsea)

Rudiger’s centre-back partner this season has been the experienced Brazilian David Luiz.

The long-term servant for the club has achieved a lot over his two spells at Stamford Bridge and has this term played all but one of their Premier League games.

The former Paris Saint-Germain man has been key at the back for Chelsea this season, helping them to compete for a top-four position.

Left-back: Luke Shaw (Manchester United)

The full-back arrived at Old Trafford from Southampton as an 18-year-old seemingly with the world at his feet back in 2014.

However, injuries and inconsistent form has really halted the now 23-year-old’s career in the red of United.

This season though, despite a disappointing campaign for the club, Shaw has personally enjoyed one of his best at the club and has certainly been one of their better performers across his 27 Premier League appearances.

Midfielder: Jorginho (Chelsea)

Sarri’s main signing last summer after his move to Chelsea from Serie A side Napoli, the Italian has been one of the main stables of the team having played nearly every game of the season.

Jorginho is the top passer in the Premier League this term. Making 2,865 passes he is one of the most competent midfielders in the league and highlights the way Sarri likes to play.

Midfielder: N’Golo Kante (Chelsea) 

There is no question that Kante would make it into any team in the world right now. He is everything you want from a defensive midfielder – quick, good at distributing the ball and makes tackles like no other.

For both Leicester City and Chelsea the Frenchman has helped lead them to Premier League glory and in only a matter of years has earned his title as one of the best.

Kante has played nearly every game for the Blues this season and has been one of their most crucial players game after game.

Midfielder: Paul Pogba (Manchester United)

When Solskjaer came to Manchester United Pogba transformed into the player many know he can be with 13 goals and nine assists.

However, his form has dropped off once again in recent weeks with more speculation where his long-term future will be.

The Frenchman’s recent dip has not stopped him being the only non-Liverpool or Manchester City player named in the PFA Team of the Year, nor has it stopped us selecting him in our XI.

Right forward: Willian (Chelsea)

Willian has been an ever consistent player during his six years at Chelsea, and this season has been no different.

In a campaign where Chelsea’s attackers have come under fire with many saying Hazard is their only option going forward, the Brazilian has consistently performed well when needed and has notched up three goals and six assists.

In truth he doesn’t really have much competition with Callum Hudson-Odoi injured and lack of consistency from United’s wide forwards.

Striker: Marcus Rashford (Manchester United)

At just 21, Rashford has already grown into one of United’s biggest stars since his debut for the first-team four years ago.

The forward has scored 10 Premier League goals for the Red Devils this season and has been a shining light in what has been a poor season for the club.

Gets the nod over Chelsea’s strikers who don’t really seem to know where they stand under Sarri.

Left forward: Eden Hazard (Chelsea)

Without a doubt the man who has carried Chelsea on his back time and time again this season, Eden Hazard, who has registered 16 goals and 13 assists, is the main reason they are in the position they are in.

With rumours circulating around about his possible departure to Real Madrid next season, the spotlight is still on Hazard to help push Chelsea over the line and gain qualification to the Champions League.

Was unlucky to miss out on the PFA Team of the Year but was one of the first names on our Combined XI teamsheet.