Midfielders
CM: Fernandinho – Manchester City
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Both teams undeniably have outstanding issues with a holding midfield role, but Fernandinho is certainly the best-placed player for this spot in the team owing to a variety of reasons.
Unlike Paul Pogba, Ander Herrera, or Ilkay Gundogan, a number eight role suits their style much more than Fernandinho's whose relentlessness and tough tackling nature ensure City have something of a balance in midfield.
Fernandinho's poor discipline during the mid-season has caused his duel winning percentage to spiral down to 43% - a relatively weak statistic compared to his usual high standards.
CM: Paul Pogba – Manchester United
Much has been made of Paul Pogba's world-record move to Manchester United with many considering him a failure after ten months in English football. An argument could be made to state Pogba's influence has been limited, but the player has indeed had a solid season.
The France international has registered 55 chances for his team-mates, three of which have resulted in an assist. Defensively, Pogba is the ideal candidate for the number eight role with him winning 54% of the duels he's contested for. His passing accuracy of 85% could still do with some improvement if he’s to develop into that player everyone once admired.
CAM: Kevin De Bruyne – Manchester City
Kevin De Bruyne may not be having his strongest season in recent times, but that further highlights the Belgian international's credentials.
Nonetheless, De Bruyne has still mustered more chances for his side than any other player in the Premier League this season. In fact, De Bruyne's 85 chances is already an upgrade on last season's 79. The Belgian has also registered 17 assists in all competitions - making that 31 in just two seasons at City.
De Bruyne has still managed to score six goals across all competitions, and as mentioned, this is apparently his worst season in three years?
