What do statistics tell us should be each sides team in tomorrow’s game?
Both Manchester City and Manchester United have exceptionally strong squads, both with a wealth of options for tomorrow’s derby game. Louis Van Gaal and Manuel Pellegrini have plenty of difficult team selection dilemmas, with their squads full of talented but under-performing players.
Using football statistics site WhoScored, we have a created the statistical ‘best XI’ for both sides.
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MANCHESTER UNITED
GK) David de Gea – 6.41 WhoScored rating
It’s no surprise that de Gea is in the side, what might be surprising given his amazing performances against Chelsea and Everton, is that he is the lowest rated player in this Manchester United side.
LB) Marcos Rojo – 7.18
CB) Jonny Evans – 7.31
CB) Chris Smalling – 6.90
RB) Rafael – 7.11
The statistics suggest an interesting tactical switch, and one that Louis Van Gaal should definitely consider. Assuming Phil Jones’ shin splints keep him out, Luke Shaw’s low rating sees him dropped, with Marcos Rojo moving to left back and Chris Smalling coming into the side alongside Jonny Evans.
CM) Marouane Fellaini – 7.06
CM) Ander Herrera – 7.51
CM) Daley Blind – 7.35
This strong three-man midfield would give United much more solidity and structure, with Marouane Fellaini retaining his place alongside the returning Ander Herrera.
AM) Angel Di Maria – 7.81
ST) Wayne Rooney – 7.06
ST) Robin Van Persie – 7.00
Falcao is injured but would not make our first choice front three anyway. Wayne Rooney should be fit to return from his knock. Angel Di Maria is the highest rated player in the squad.
MANCHESTER CITY
GK) Willy Caballero – 7.22
The disappointing Joe Hart dropped is dropped for former Malaga keeper Willy Caballero.
DL) Gael Clichy – 7.38
DC) Eliaquim Mangala – 7.18
DC) Martin Demichelis – 7.13
DR) Pablo Zabaleta – 6.97
A massive call in defence, but the stats don’t lie. Club captain Vincent Kompany is dropped for Martin Demichelis and the struggling Eliquim Mangala.
ML) Aleksandar Kolarov – 7.08
MC) James Milner – 7.47
MC) Yaya Touré – 7.11
MR) Jesus Navas 6.92
City’s central midfield is definitely a concern, with both Fernando and Fernandinho rating very poorly. This team has the impressive James Milner moved central to partner Yaya Toure, with Kolarov providing width on the left.
AM) Samir Nasri – 6.89
ST) Sergio Aguero – 7.66
With Silva out, Nasri comes into the side to play behind red-hot Sergio Aguero, the highest rated player in the side.