In what will be the most glamorous clash of matchday 3 of the Premier League this season, Tottenham Hotspur travel to Old Trafford this Monday to take on Manchester United. The Red Devils beat Leicester City on the opening weekend but put in a forgettable performance at Flamer Stadium, losing 3-2 to Brighton.
Mauricio Pochettino’s side, on the other hand, have won both their opening fixtures against Fulham and Newcastle United but this game will be their biggest test of the season yet.
Both teams have some star players in various roles but who makes a combined XI of these two sides?
GK – David de Gea (Manchester United)
The Spaniard has made just three saves this season, but remains the best shot-stopper in the league and beats Hugo Lloris to a place in the side.
RB – Kieran Trippier (Tottenham Hotspur)
With Ashley Young struggling to make an impact for United, Trippier, who has a goal and four key passes to his name, starts at right-back.
CB – Jan Vertonghen (Tottenham Hotspur)
The Belgian international is easily one of the best defenders in the league and is head and shoulders above any centre-back currently at United.
CB – Toby Alderweireld (Tottenham Hotspur)
With United’s defenders struggling, Alderweireld, who has better stats than Davinson Sanchez, will partner his compatriot at the heart of the defence.
LB – Ben Davies (Tottenham Hotspur)
Luke Shaw has been effective for the Red Devils but Davies has five key passes and a passing accuracy of 83%, which makes him a better option at left-back.
CM – Eric Dier (Tottenham Hotspur)
With Mousa Dembele playing just 49 minutes so far this season and none of United’s midfielders showing any promise, England ace Eric Dier who has a passing rate of 90% this season, makes the XI as a defensive midfielder.
CM – Paul Pogba (Manchester United)
Pogba had a forgettable game against Brighton but he has been United’s best player with two goals already and is an easy option to complete the two-man midfield in the XI.
RW – Christian Eriksen (Tottenham Hotspur)
The Danish international has six key passes to his name this season and deserves his place on the right. He is one player who’d make most combined lineups, truth be told.
CAM – Dele Alli (Tottenham Hotspur)
Playing in a central role will be Dele Alli who has a goal and five shots on target already this season for Spurs.
LW – Alexis Sanchez (Manchester United)
Alexis Sanchez is yet to find the back of the net for United but he has eight key passes and has created four chances, and finds a place on the left flank.
ST – Harry Kane (Tottenham Hotspur)
With Romelu Lukaku struggling to make an impact, Harry Kane, who has a goal and four key passes so far, is an easy choice.
Here is how they line up:
Stat Credit: Whoscored.com
