Picking a Combined Best XI of Chelsea and Manchester United Players

On Sunday afternoon, Chelsea and Manchester United—the Premier League's top two teams—meet in a showdown that is sure to shake the very core of the English Premier League.

The domestic holy grail has gone to either West London or Old Trafford seven out of the last eight seasons, with both clubs boasting some of the finest players in world football.

This article will seek to pick a fantasy All-Star team composed of the very best from both squads.

As always, this list is intended to spark debate rather than end it.

GK: Petr Cech

Watching Petr Cech keep Shakhtar Donetsk's finest at bay for most of the 90 minutes Tuesday night was a pure joy to behold.

The Czech keeper has been written off by some in the past few seasons, but if his showing in the Champions League clash is anything to go by, he is close to being back to his best.

He gets the edge over United's David de Gea and Anders Lindegaard.

Cech is a far safer option than the flapping de Gea, even though the Spaniard possesses some of the best reflexes in the game.

LB: Ashley Cole

Say what you want about him and his colourful personal life off the field, but Ashley Cole is definitely the best player in his position in the Premier League and a fair shot to rival the world's best.

Still a threat going forward, Cole has also been a reliable mainstay for the Blues in defence—regularly keeping top-class opposition attackers frustrated.

Unsurprisingly, Patrice Evra misses out, despite looking improved in recent games for the Red Devils.

The Frenchman has been in a steady decline in past seasons, often caught out of position. He no longer possesses the pace to threaten defenders further up the pitch.

CB: Nemanja Vidic

Don't worry, Manchester United fans, this wasn't going to be a completely Blues-dominated XI.

Serbian brute Nemanja Vidic is a no-brainer to bring his uncompromising brand of football to this team.

His absence at the heart of the United lineup was sorely missed during the second half of last season, and it continues to be at the time of writing as Sir Alex Ferguson's team continues to ship goals at an alarming rate.

David Luiz and Gary Cahill are both excellent players on their day, but they are nowhere near as reliable as Vidic.

CB: John Terry

Nobody in the Premier League deals with adversity better than John Terry, even if he brings a lot of it on himself.

As well as being an inspirational leader on the pitch, he is a controlling force in a Blues defence that performs far better when he plays.

Terry has adapted to age and a subsequent loss of pace much better than United's Rio Ferdinand, who seems to be declining at a quicker rate.

Neither Chris Smalling nor Phil Jones can be considered due to inexperience and still having a long way to come. Special mention must go to Jonny Evans, who has been revelatory in the past 12 months with his much-improved performances.

RB: Branislav Ivanovic

Choosing between Branislav Ivanovic and Rafael for the right-back spot in this XI is by far the hardest call to make.

Both can be shaky at the back and effective going forward, but Ivanovic shades it by a hair for being better physically and a tad more efficient in attack.

The Serbian has already scored three in the Premier League this season—a very impressive strike rate for a defender.

And whilst Rafael may have scored two himself, these were his first strikes since 2009.

CM: Michael Carrick

Michael Carrick comes in for a lot of stick at times, some of it deserved.

His early-season football is usually well below United's high standards, though come the new year, an in-form Carrick can elevate his team to another level.

His short-passing abilities are well acknowledged, but more importantly, he provides cover for the defence better than anyone else in the squad.

Frank Lampard and John Obi Mikel miss out, despite both being top-class players. The latter has been an underrated gem in the holding midfield role for Roberto Di Matteo's team, and he is only left on the bench by a fraction.

CM: Oscar

I want the dashing Oscar in this XI so bad that I may be forced to play him in a less-suited deeper midfield role.

The Brazilian phenom continues to improve with every game as he adapts to the tough British style of football.

His skill, composure and creativity are already close to being world class. The £20-£25 million fee paid by Chelsea is beginning to look like a bargain.

Tom Cleverley is a prodigious talent—he is the United player who comes closest to challenging Oscar for his place.

Shinji Kagawa has unfortunately not yet settled in Manchester, consistently appearing a step behind his teammates in recent games.

LW: Eden Hazard

Eden Hazard's form may have dropped a little since his ground-shaking introduction to British football in August, but his talent is still a big cut above both Ashley Young's and Nani's.

The flying Belgian is blindingly quick, tricky and can pass it through and around opposition defences with the greatest of ease.

It is debatable whether or not Sir Alex regrets missing out on his transfer in the summer due to the huge sum paid by Chelsea, but the United boss will certainly fear the X-factor the 21-year-old brings to the pitch when the two sides face off this Sunday.

CAM: Wayne Rooney

In my humble opinion, Wayne Rooney stands poised for his greatest season yet in a United shirt. Now he's made the seamless transition to a deeper-lying role in attacking midfield.

His passing and movement off the ball has added the spark that Kagawa was supposed to bring, linking up with Robin van Persie quite brilliantly to provide an attacking threat to match any in Britain.

The Red Devils look like a world-class team with him in the starting XI—pure and simple.

I suppose Ramires is the Chelsea player who misses out here, but was the choice ever in doubt?

RW: Juan Mata

With the possible exception of Rooney, Juan Mata is currently playing the best football in the country.

He has provided such an impetus in the Blues midfield domestically that they look simply unbeatable when he's on his game.

The Spanish attacking midfielder has already scored six goals and set up seven more in just 11 appearances this season.

United's right winger Antonio Valencia is one of the best pure wide players in the game, but he just doesn't provide his team with the versatility and tactical flexibility that Mata does.

ST: Robin van Persie

In attack for this unbelievably stacked XI is Manchester United's Dutch hitman Robin van Persie.

One of the most clinical finishers in world football, his left foot packs a punch as great as any.

He has continued his goal-scoring exploits since making the controversial switch from Arsenal to United in the summer, hitting the back of the net eight times this campaign.

Fernando Torres is the unlucky casualty, relegated to the bench he is so allergic to.

In truth, though, the Spaniard is gradually getting back to his very best for Chelsea, and he could be set for a landmark season in West London.

What do you think of the combined XI? Were there any unfair exclusions?

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