Chelsea vs. Man U combined XI: Few good, available options at CB or striker

LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 30: Michy Batshuayi of Chelsea runs with the ball past Harry Maguire of Manchester United before scoring his team's first goal during the Carabao Cup Round of 16 match between Chelsea and Manchester United at Stamford Bridge on October 30, 2019 in London, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 30: Michy Batshuayi of Chelsea runs with the ball past Harry Maguire of Manchester United before scoring his team's first goal during the Carabao Cup Round of 16 match between Chelsea and Manchester United at Stamford Bridge on October 30, 2019 in London, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
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chelsea, n'golo kante
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – APRIL 28: N’golo Kante of Chelsea and Luke Shaw of Manchester United chase the ball during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Chelsea FC at Old Trafford on April 28, 2019 in Manchester, United Kingdom. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)

Midfield, N’Golo Kante, Chelsea

I don’t want hear from ChelsTwit or anyone else about how the Blues have won this percentage of matches without Kante on the pitch. It’s nonsense. He is easily the most productive defensive midfielder in the Premier League for the last four years and change. And he is perfect for any team that wants to be able to attack but is afraid to do so because their defense is suspect.

Kante allows the defense behind him to relax and offensive players ahead of him to attack. He is simply amazing, plus Nemanja Matic is just too old to get the nod.

Midfield: Mateo Kovacic, Chelsea

Mateo “The Croatian Sensation” Kovacic has been top notch this season for Chelsea. The Blues have really struggled with the finishing this season, and a lot of those opportunities have started with runs or great turns from Kovacic in the middle of the park. Last season he was good, but a bit hindered it seemed, almost unsure. This season you can clearly see he is playing with a confidence and comfort that wasn’t present last season.

Fred has played very well the last few matches for United, but Kovcic has put in similar performances all season long.

Attacking midfield: Bruno Fernandes, Manchester United

Fernandes was a force against Wolves before the winter break. The Portuguese midfielder appears to have picked up where he left off at Sporting. Manchester United look like they could make a run at the top four, and his game will have to continue in the Premier League for them to make up ground. The thought of Fernandes, Mason Greenwood, Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford, once fit, is very scary.