Manchester derby: Paul Merson and Phil Thompson name their combined XI
Wednesday 15 April 2015 16:27, UK
Ahead of Sunday’s Manchester derby, we challenged Sky Sports pundits Paul Merson and Phil Thompson to pick their best combined XI from the United and City squads.
Surprisingly, there’s no room in either side for in-form Manchester United duo Ander Herrera and Marouane Fellaini, with both pundits picking alternative options in midfield.
They both have their reasons though, with Merse reluctant to leave Manchester City’s James Milner out of his side...
MERSON’S COMBINED XI (4-1-2-1-2): David De Gea; Luke Shaw, Vincent Kompany, Phil Jones, Pablo Zabaleta; Michael Carrick; David Silva, James Milner; Juan Mata; Sergio Aguero, Wayne Rooney
Merse said: “I’ve made no secret that I’m a massive fan of James Milner. As a player, you want people like that alongside you, his work-rate encourages others to up their game.
“I still can’t believe Man City are allowing his contract to run down. If he was Brazilian, he’d have been signed up by now! But I’d have to have him in my team."
Meanwhile, Vincent Kompany has been selected at centre-half by both pundits despite struggling for form this season.
“Despite his poor form, he’s still a leader at the back and that’s what you want,” said Merson of Kompany. “Besides, there’s not a lot to choose from in that position from either squad, but I’d stick Phil Jones in alongside Kompany.
“Left-back is a problem area. No player has stood out for me this season, but I suppose I’d have Luke Shaw in there. He’s not been great, but he’s been better than City’s options.
“I’d have Zabaleta over Valencia on the other side, but it’s difficult on United because they sometimes play just three at the back.
“Carrick is a must and I’m a big fan of David Silva too, so there’s no room for Herrera unfortunately. I’m sure United fans will love that!
“I’ve picked this team based on the last five or six weeks, so I’d have Juan Mata in behind Wayne Rooney, and it’s impossible to leave out Sergio Aguero.”
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As for Thommo, he’s gone for a traditional 4-4-2 formation with six United players to City’s five, but he admits picking a goalkeeper was the toughest call...
THOMMO’S COMBINED XI (4-4-2): David De Gea; Daley Blind, Chris Smalling, Vincent Kompany, Pablo Zabaleta; David Silva, Michael Carrick, Yaya Toure, Ashley Young; Wayne Rooney, Sergio Aguero
He said: “I’ve gone for De Gea, but this was the most difficult decision to make of the whole side. Joe Hart or David De Gea? I think throughout the whole season De Gea has been absolutely fantastic on a more consistent basis, so he gets the nod ahead of Hart for me.
“I would always have Zabaleta in my side. I know he’s not had the best of seasons but he’s still the best right-back out of the two squads and I’d still go for Kompany, although he’s another one who has been underperforming this season.
“Him and Chris Smalling, who I think has really improved this season, would be my centre-backs.”
Daley Blind has started at left-back in United’s last three games, each of which they’ve won, and Thommo has selected the Dutchman, while he’s also been impressed with Ashley Young’s recent form.
“I’d put Blind at left-back. There was no nailed-on left back for me, but Blind has played there these last few weeks and I think he’s done very well,” he said.
“I’d have Ashley Young on the right of midfield. Since he’s been back in the United side he’s probably been their most consistent player. For me, his performances have been eight out of 10 recently, and that’s what you need to play for the big clubs.
“I’ve always been an admirer of Carrick, so he's in over Herrera, and I know Yaya Toure has had his doubters this season but, for me, he’s still one of the first names on the team-sheet.
“David Silva would make any Premier League team – he has to be in there – and up front they pick themselves – Aguero and Rooney, easily.
“The only player, other than Hart, that I found it difficult to omit was Fellaini. Three or four months ago I wouldn’t have been saying that, but he’s made a massive impact recently.”
Thommo has tipped up a 2-2 draw at 12/1 with Sky Bet while Merse has gone for 2-1 to United at 17/2.
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