Named: The Man United stars who make the combined XI with rivals City - with stats boffins including one defender who has made just NINE appearances this term

Manchester City will head to Old Trafford on Saturday afternoon with hopes of claiming their first Premier League win since the end of December - and in turn, boosting their chances of catching up with league leaders Arsenal , who sit six points clear at the top of the table.

But they will do so against their fierce crosstown rivals, who - regardless of form - have not always proved the most straightforward opposition.

Pep Guardiola ’s squad has had a promising start to 2026 away from league action, with new signing Antoine Semenyo already making an impact on the pitch.

This will be Michael Carrick ’s first game as Manchester United ’s interim manager, and an important one at that, with the Red Devils are only one crucial point behind Brentford in fifth.

But how do the two squads stack up based on their performances this season - and who makes it into Sofascore's combined XI?

Gianluigi Donnarumma ( Man City )

The man in goal is Gianluigi Donnarumma, who has hopefully calmed down after his wild reactions from the bench over referee's VAR decision at St James Park during Man City's Carabao Cup clash with Newcastle.

The Italian captain has been on the bench for the past two games giving James Trafford a chance to start in goal, but there's little doubt that he's the Man City No 1.

Gianluigi Donnarumma has been a superlative force for Man City since his move from Paris

The ex-Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper has kept eight clean sheets in his 18 Premier League appearances, proving he is a worthy contender for the Golden Glove with only half the season played.

Sofascore rating: 6.99

Nathan Ake (Man City)

The 30-year-old Dutch international has made over 150 appearances for the club and having played as either a centre back or left back, has endeared himself to City fans with his versatility.

Although Ake has had a lack of regular playing time this season, the defender has picked up an impressive rating of 6.88.

Amid some uncertainty over his future, there are talks of Everton, West Ham United and AC Milan all having their eye on the seasoned defender however, Man City are not thought to be entertaining any offers this month.

Sofascore rating: 6.88

Lisandro Martinez (Man United)

At centre back is Lisandro Martinez, who suffered a knee injury last year and came back to training in early November.

The left-footed Argentinian provides balance within the squad and has an aggressive style of defending, while also progressing the ball up the pitch.

The combative defender has suffered four significant injuries during his time at United, but most recently, has struggled upon his return to the pitch.

Sofascore rating: 6.97

Lisandro Martinez has been a much-missed presence after suffering a critical ACL injury

Abdukodir Khusanov

Since joining the Cityzens 12 months ago, Uzbekistan international Abdukodir Khusanov has impressed when allowed with his pace and physicality.

The 21-year-old has been patient with the limited game time available but with both Josko Gvardiol and Ruben Dias out with injuries, the youngster has had the opportunity to start the last two games.

With just 13 appearances for Man City, it will be important for the centre-back to gain that vital game time to develop and strengthen within the team.

Sofascore rating: 6.91

Jeremy Doku

Jeremy Doku excels when given the space to show his raw pace down the wing, and the Belgium international is starting to make a key difference on the pitch for Man City with four assists this season.

His unpredictability when the ball is at his feet makes him and Erling Haaland a dangerous pairing. On top of that, the midfielder has an 85 per cent accuracy rate on his passes.

Over his career, Doku has predominately played as a right winger but he has the flexibility to play down left wing as well - which will be beneficial to City following the signing of Semenyo.

Sofascore rating: 7.37

Bruno Fernandes

Man United captain Bruno Fernandes has stuck with the Red Devils for six years now and made over 200 appearances in the Premier League.

Even though he plays in a midfield position he is not afraid to have a shot at the 'keeper, making late runs into the box and creating quality chances for himself.

Although Man United's form has fluctuated - at times wildly - over seasons since he first joined, Fernandes has remained his side's key difference-maker, at the biggest moments.

Sofascore rating: 7.54

Bruno Fernandes has long been Man United's ultimate difference-maker in the biggest games

Casemiro

No doubt Casemiro has the experience and knowledge to make the combined XI, and has had the wins to prove it.

But the midfielder is 33 almost 34, so youth is not on his side. However, he does still have his strengths and is able to break up play, constantly able to win the ball back.

The seasoned player can also drop back and really help his centre backs when necessary, playing a deeper into the field, as well as equally moving forward to attack.

Sofascore rating: 7.02

Amad Diallo

Playing on the right wing in a midfield position is Amad Diallo, United’s number 16.

Playing for the Ivory Coast in AFCON, Amad has proven an establishing attacking technique with three goals and one assist in five matches, with the tournament giving him a stage to shine on.

If he can replicate his play in the Premier League, he will be able to carry the ball at speed and create chances up the front.

They days of Amad playing towards the back could be over.

Sofascore rating: 7.09

Phil Foden

Phil Foden offers such technical ability and the potential to score goals within the City squad that his inclusion in the combined XI comes as little surprise.

With seven goals and two assists in the Premier League season so far, he is already matching last season’s total despite half the number of matches. Such a bounce back in form has also caught the eye of his England manager, Thomas Tuchel.

Now playing on the left side has allowed him to find the ball more and play a bigger role in City’s attacking force.

Sofascore rating: 7.14

Phil Foden is enjoying a return to his career-best in Man City blue during the current campaign

Erling Haaland

The Premier League’s top goal scorer, it should be no surprise that Erling Haaland has the highest Sofascore in this combined XI. With twenty goals in 21 league appearances this term, it's little wonder that he became the quickest player in Premier League history to score 100 goals.

His pure physical strength and ability to know where the ball will end up makes it difficult for defenders to challenge him.

The Norwegian’s ability to consistently put the ball in the back of the net makes him one of the best strikers in Europe.

Sofascore rating: 7.56

Rayan Cherki

French international Rayan Cherki is exceptionally rated for his dribbling and flair while on the ball.

He links up the play well as is often able to find a striker, as proven by his seven assists in his first season at the Etihad.

Cherki can produce an aggressive attacking style on defenders in and around the penalty area. Additionally, his technical attributes are very distinct and unpredictable making it awkward for defenders to anticipate his moves.

Sofascore rating: 7.30