A ‘best of’ made up of Old Trafford and Stamford Bridge talents.
Manchester United take on Chelsea tonight in a mouth-watering clash in what looks set to be the first major game of the new season.
David Moyes makes his debut at Old Trafford as United’s new manager while Jose Mourinho returns to the stadium where he first came to prominence on that famous Champions League night for FC Porto. Both managers will be seeking to take an early lead in the Premier League title race especially after potential title contenders Man City fell to defeat at Cardiff City yesterday.
With a host of world class footballers set to grace the Old Trafford pitch tonight, we try our best to piece together a best XI from each team.
Petr Cech
A very tough decision to decide between one of the finest goalkeepers in world footballer against the young Spanish star who performed so impressively for the Old Trafford outfit last season. However we plumped for the more-experienced Blues shot-stopper who proved so reliable last term and has re-established himself as one of the best keepers in the world. However if De Gea continues his ensured displays between the sticks it won’t be long before he replaces the Czech Republic international as number one.
Branislav Ivanovic
Another hard choice at right-back but we have gone for the Serbian international over Rafael da Silva. Ivanovic was the match-winner during the Blues’ 2-1 victory over Aston Villa last Wednesday and the 29-year-old seems to be adding a new attacking dimension to his always dependable defending. Rafael has improved in recent years to become a mainstay in Moyes new side but Ivanovic continually does an excellent job wherever he is deployed at Stamford Bridge.
David Luiz
The Brazilian international has been repeatedly linked with a move to La Liga champions Barcelona this summer and that shows just how far the former Benfica defender has come during the last year. Luiz enjoyed his best season at Chelsea last term after completing a turnaround from the volatile figure he was first perceived as at Stamford Bridge. The versatile defender was superb for Brazil in this summer’s Confederations Cup and he is now firmly established as one of the best defenders in the Premier League.
Nemanja Vidic
Manchester United’s indomitable captain gets the nod ahead of John Terry and Rio Ferdinand alongside Luiz in the defence. Vidic is finally back fit following a period out with injury and recent displays indicated that he is still one of the very best. They say absence makes the heart grow fonder and United fans will be thrilled to see Vidic reunited with Rio Ferdinand in Moyes’ central defence partnership.
Ashley Cole
The England international left-back may be reaching the dawn of his career but he remains one of the best defenders in the Premier League and in the world. United’s Patrice Evra ran him close after a good season at Old Trafford but the Frenchman’s changeable form gives the selection to the incredibly consistent 32-year-old who still remains a vital member of the Chelsea team Mourinho has inherited.
Michael Carrick
Carrick was a key coy in the United team that secured their 20th Premier League title last term, controlling proceedings from deep, while offering the technical aptitude rarely seen in an English player. His outstanding performances saw him recognised with a spot in the PFA Team of the Year and a nomination for the PFA Player of the Year award.
Frank Lampard
He may be 35 but Lampard seems to have a fresh lease of life at Stamford Bridge under Mourinho and his spectacular free-kick in last Sunday’s 2-0 victory over Hull City confirmed his real worth to the Stamford Bridge outfit. The Chelsea legend has scored more than ten Premier League in every season since 2004 and brings some experience to the engine room for our combined team.
Juan Mata
It’s amazing to think that Chelsea’s Player of the Year and one of the best players in the Premier League could miss out on selection for tonight’s match with Mourinho reportedly unsure about his practicality to his Blues side. The brilliant Spaniard netted 12 goals and provided 17 assists for Chelsea during last season’s Premier League campaign and beats all competition with comfort for the attacking right-wing position.
Eden Hazard
The Belgium starlet has gone someway to living up to his own hype after arriving at Stamford Bridge last summer with an impressive array of skills to sharpen up the Blues attack. Scoring 14 goals and providing 18 assists in all competitions last season it would be difficult not to include him in any starting XI of almost every club side in the world, let alone our combined team.
Wayne Rooney
The Manchester United forward is currently at the centre of a well-publicised transfer saga involving tonight’s clubs with Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho desperate to land the 27-year-old before the transfer window closes. But overlook that and concentrate on his unquestionable talent and the England international is an easy selection for our combined side.
Robin van Persie
Undoubtedly the first name on the team-sheet is the sublime Red Devils striker. Van Persie scored 26 league goals following his summer move from Arsenal to guide Sir Alex Ferguson to his final Premier League title. The Dutch international struck twice for United in their victory away at Swansea last weekend and the prolific marksman will be looking to add to his growing tally tonight.
