Chelsea and Man United combined XI: Patches of Blue on a tide of Red

Chelsea and Manchester United face off in a highly anticipated FA Cup semifinal on Sunday, what would a combined XI between the two sides look like?

Chelsea takes on Manchester United in the semifinals of the FA Cup at Wembley Stadium on Sunday evening, pitting two teams completely accustomed to winning this particularly trophy against one another.

Frank Lampard has witnessed some dazzling displays and dodgy defeats since ‘Project Restart’, whereas Ole Gunnar Solskjaer seems to have regained the wheel with United undefeated since January, a stretch spanning 19 games that included a win over the Blues at Stamford Bridge.

Both are vying for a ticket into the Europe in the Premier League; however, these concerns will have to be pushed aside as they battle for a place at an empty Wembley. This venue will be dear to Lampard, having won this particular competition four times, alongside numerous others, at the national stadium. Check out a combined Chelsea and United starting XI of those potentially in place for lifting the cup:

Goalkeeper: David De Gea, Manchester United

A Spanish goalkeeper, signed from La Liga, has faced a fair share of critics this campaign over a handful of wobbly moments in his respective net. Some fans have called for his replacement, looking into their reserves or hoping their club throw their line into the transfer pond.

And no, this is not a description of Kepa Arrizbalaga, instead his fellow countryman in Manchester. David De Gea had caused serious doubts over his position pre-lockdown, but whereas Kepa still seems shy of confidence, United’s Spanish shot-stopper has begun to rediscover his ability to save a ball. He has dusted off the rust on his reflexes and began to reassure Ole he can remain No.1 for a few more years yet.

Right back: Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Manchester United

United has not been blessed with an authentic right back since the days of Gary Neville. Now, an honest analyst of his beloved side on Sky Sports, Neville can now rest easy knowing his channel is covered by Aaron Wan-Bissaka.

Nicknamed ‘The Spider’, Wan-Bissaka could be mistaken for his arachnid comparison thanks to the amount of successful challenges he has amassed during his maiden spell at Old Trafford. Currently top of the tackling charts in the Premier League, the former Crystal Palace graduate has solidified his spot in Solskjaer’s backline with his dependable defending. His delivery in the final third still needs fine tuning, but just ask Neville and he would probably agree that this was never his strongest skill.

Centreback: Kurt Zouma, Chelsea

It has not been easy complementing the Chelsea defence and Lampard could only dream of a partnership that Maguire and Victor Lindelof have been forging together. None of the four senior centrebacks have consistently done themselves justice, yet upon recent evidence, Kurt Zouma is currently the favourite to keep his place.

That last ditch tackle on Christian Benteke was as demonstration of the talent in those French legs that the Blues have been longing for. If Lampard can acquire another world class signing to play alongside the Frenchman, then there is no reason he cannot grow into one of the best in the division.

Centreback: Harry Maguire, Manchester United

United has not been blessed with a centreback that can combine an old school style of defending, with the modern trend of being comfortable on the ball since Rio Ferdinand. Now an honest analysist of his beloved side on BT Sport, Ferdinand can rest easy knowing the spine of United has been covered by Harry Maguire.

He certainly has been the catalyst for the Red Devils rear-guard revitalisation, which is the least you’d expect from the £80 million man, although his presence in the opposition box has not quite been felt in the same elk as it was at Leicester City. Typically, his only league goal this season was against Chelsea in the 2-0 defeat at the Bridge.

Left back: Cesar Azpilicueta, Chelsea

If Lampard could clone Cesar Azpilicueta and field four of him across the defence, providing there are no rules in duplicating players, he would do it in a heartbeat.

Unfortunately, there is only one of the Chelsea captain. Fortunately, he might as well be a copy, confidently slotting in at left back as seamlessly as if he was on the opposite flank. He had been filling in for the frozen-out Marcos Alonso until the victory over Norwich when he reverted back to his natural position, highlighting his priceless versatility at the top level.

Right midfielder: Willian, Chelsea

Upon his post-lockdown performances, Chelsea would rue itself for allowing Willian to leave come the end of his current contract. His form has been scintillating since the league’s return, contributing on seven goals in his eight appearances in all competitions (four goals, three assists).

His turn of pace and ability to glide past his marker shows little signs of a player approaching his 32 birthday—and who on earth will take set pieces if the Brazilian decides to set sail?

Centre midfielder: Bruno Fernandes, Manchester United

Pundits have begun to run out of superlatives for the Portuguese playmaker since his arrival from Sporting Lisbon in January. His statistics are there to be admired; eight goals and assists in just 17 United matches is the kind of impact that alters the entire fortunes of one faltering club.

Which is exactly what Bruno Fernandes has done since sparkling upon English shores. He has reformed United from a hot or cold outfit to explosive fire going forward, sparking confidence to those around him whilst effortlessly combating the physicality and pace of the Premier League.

Centre midfielder: Nemanja Matic, Manchester United

The Chelsea faithful will have fond memories of the time Nemanja Matic spent in west London, winning two league titles and an FA Cup in his three years before his move to Manchester. They will also know of his quality to control the midfield, easing the pace to suit his side whilst elegantly stroking the ball around the park.

N’Golo Kante is his direct rival in this selection, the pair partnering extremely efficiently under Antonio Conte in 2016/17. Kante has been cursed with injury this campaign and although his absence has been felt, Chelsea has still managed to pick up points without him. United’s midriff looks unstable when the Serb is starting, providing a platform to the likes of Fernandes and Paul Pogba to purr further afield.

Left midfielder: Christian Pulisic, Chelsea

Much like Captain America in the Marvel series, Christian Pulisic seems to have injected his own experimental serum into his veins, giving him superpowers on the pitch.

The young talent from across the pond has easily been Chelsea’s talisman since sport resumed in late June, scoring or assisting three times in eight matches and simply becoming a shining light into the Blues future. Comparisons to Eden Hazard are beginning to become more solid; the pressures are superhuman, but Pulisic appears mature enough to handle burdens.

Striker: Marcus Rashford, Manchester United

Marcus Rashford has schooled us all in the positive influence footballers can have over our society. So much so, he was deservedly awarded an honorary doctorate from the University of Manchester for his services to combat child poverty. This can go alongside his sizzling scoring feats this season, netting 22 goals and notching a further 11 assists.

Striker: Anthony Martial, Manchester United

Rashford’s partner in crime, Anthony Martial, has also hit the 22 mark as the deadly duo became the first two pairing at United to hit 20+ goals since Dimitar Berbatov and Javier Hernandez in 2010/11.

They have begun to form a formidable double act, throwing shades to the Andrew Cole and Dwight Yorke conversation of many moons ago. Another Frenchman who is unfortunate to miss out is Olivier Giroud, who has been Lampard’s first choice forward since the drop-off of Tammy Abraham. Giroud has repaid his manager’s faith by scoring in three consecutive starts, however Martial has constantly been a threat from the off, whereas Giroud has only just come into the forefront again.

Who would make your combined XI? Let us know in the comments or on Twitter!