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As another enthralling season in the English Premier League draws to a close, Manchester United and Chelsea play out the last 'top-billing' clash of the season at Old Trafford.
In a season of mixed results, the teams are walking wounded right now with their Champions League hopes dangling by a thread. Neither the Blues nor the Red Devils have won their last two league games and know another setback would be a mortal blow to their top four hopes.
Maurizio Sarri's side are currently fourth with 67 points - just one above Arsenal, whereas a dramatic decline in form in the last few games has seen Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's band of busted flushes drop down to sixth again with 65 points and with only three games left to play.
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Ahead of the all-important clash between the traditional rivals, let's look at how they stack up in a combined XI of current players.
Goalkeeper: Kepa Arrizabalaga
Whilst David de Gea is a modern great, he has proven to be error-prone this season. The Manchester United shotstopper's confidence seems to have taken a hit after a tumultuous term, and hasn't registered a cleansheet in the last 11 games. So in comparison, Chelsea's Kepa Arrizabalaga has been marginally better. Or at least that's what the stats suggest.
The Spaniard has 13 cleansheets to his name compared to the seven by his compatriot in the North West, and as many high claims - four more than De Gea. His pass success of 86.8% totally blows his rival's 58.6% out of water. Oh, and Kepa has also saved a penalty.
Despite Chelsea's rocky season so far, he has made 75 saves too, proving to be a fine line last of defense in his maiden season in the English top flight. His goalkeeping nous would be essential in pillaging points off the Red Devils in this match.
Left back: Marcos Alonso
Manchester United's Luke Shaw has come of age this season, realizing his immense potential he was always touted of. However, his Chelsea rival Alonso isn't only having a fine season of his own, but has even registered greater numbers. He has made more interceptions (32 to 21), more tackles (66 to 54) and more clearances (73 to 71). And despite that, his offensive play is no half-shabby either, scoring once and assisting four more.
Centre-back: David Luiz
The Brazilian had made a successful return to the EPL in 2016, and even today, remains an important figure at the heart of Chelsea's backline. Although slightly error prone, Luiz commands his area with great authority and has been on his toes to sniff any danger. He's made 133 clearances whilst also posting a 74% tackle success rate. The 2,390 passes he's laid so far ranks fifth best in the league, as we have also got to see the offensive side of him more this season - scoring and assisting twice each so far.
Centre-back: Chris Smalling
Now in his ninth season with the Red Devils, Smalling continues to be a vital part of the Manchester United defense, though he's blown hot and cold this season. On many occasions, he has justified Mourinho's demand for a world-class centre-back, but did appear to conjure his better self during the early, barnstorming days of Solskjaer's tenure. Smalling doesn't shy away from tackles and is never afraid to put his body on the line to prevent danger. It's his robust self which would help the hosts in a big game like this.
Right back: Cesar Azpilicueta
The Spanish fullback has taken to the mantle of captaincy by storm, and has led by an example from the back. He's made 93 tackles and also laid 2,263 passes so far - both of which rank within the top 10 on the respective lists. But Azpilicueta has also magnified his attacking penchant, charging forward at every given opportunity: he has laid six assists and also has a goal to his name, adding another dimension to Chelsea's attack.
Left midfield: Paul Pogba
Ever since Jose Mourinho's toxic tenure came to an end, Pogba has liberated himself. The Frenchman is now given the license to break forward as he likes and could also be found rallying his team during difficult times in a great show of leadership. He has struck 13 times in the league so far - the highest for a midfielder, and also assisted another nine goals!
Having played an instrumental in France's World Cup triumph last summer, Pogba is successfully replicating those heroics with his club too, ensuring his best season with Manchester United yet.
Central midfield: Fred
Touted to be among Brazil's hottest properties at the time of his arrival, Fred's £52 million acquisition by Manchester United was increasingly made an object of derision after he struggled to even break into the team. However, since Solskjaer's arrival, he's finally seeing the light of the day. Fred has turned in great shifts, notably in the 3-1 defeat of PSG when he manned the midfield with great authority to stifle the French side's creativity. He's still some way from justifying his hefty price tag, but has shown signs in the recent weeks that he is capable of doing it.
Right midfield: N'Golo Kante
Like Pogba, Kante too has continued from where left after winning the World Cup last year. He's having another good season with the Blues and despite being displaced from his natural position by summer acquisition in Jorginho, has made big strides in his new position on the right. He has registered four goals and four assists in the league and as always, has maintained a terrific pass percentage (88). And he knows a thing or two about scoring against the Red Devils, having clinched a winner twice in the past.
Left winger: Eden Hazard
Chelsea's most prized possession, Hazard has had another stellar campaign despite what's happening around him. With 16 goals and 13 assists in the league this campaign so far, the Belgian has anchored Maurizio Sarri's sinking ship with his heroics, but unfortunately missed out on a place in PFA's Team of the Year, though would still be contending for a bigger prize - PFA's Player of the Year.
Right winger: Pedro
The Spanish forward hasn't really emulated the prolific numbers from his Barcelona days, but has nevertheless improved after a torrid 2017/18 season that saw him strike only four times in 31 games. So far in the current one, he has managed exactly twice as much with also an assist to go with. His link-up play with Hazard in the attacking third has been admirable, and has also kept an encouraging 87% pass success rate.
Striker: Marcus Rashford
Marcus Rashford has finally lived up to his billing this season. The 21-year old has struck 10 times and assisted another seven in a truly remarkable run, especially since Jose Mourinho left. His rich vein of form has kept Romelu Lukaku out of the starting XI on more than half the occasions, and would also be gunning for the PFA Young Player of the Year prize after earning a well-deserved nomination.
