The Manchester derby is the headline fixture of this Premier League weekend as the two fierce city rivals prepare to lock horns on Saturday lunchtime.

Ahead of the bumper clash between Manchester United and Manchester CIty, we have pulled together our best combined XI from across the two star-studded squads.

Our side lines up in a 4-2-3-1 formation — be sure to let us know what you think of our picks on our social media channels.

Goalkeeper: Ederson (Manchester City)

While David de Gea has enjoyed an outstanding campaign since confirming his status as Manchester United’s No1, Ederson remains the clear choice between the sticks. 

The 28-year-old Brazilian has already kept five clean sheets in his opening nine Premier League appearances this season and also plays an integral role in his side’s build-up play.

Right-back: Kyle Walker (Manchester City)

We have opted for City stalwart Kyle Walker as our first defensive selection — the England international continues to be one of the champions’ most reliable performers in his fifth campaign at the Etihad.

On the other side of the city, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, 23, has suffered some shaky moments this term despite being established as first choice right-back at Old Trafford.

Centre-back: Raphael Varane (Manchester United)

Both sides possess a wealth of international talent in central defence, but there is no denying Red Devils’ summer signing Raphael Varane deserves his spot in our line-up.

Though he will miss this upcoming clash with a hamstring issue, the 28-year-old’s CV includes three LaLiga titles, four Champions League wins, a World Cup triumph and this year’s Nations League, making his inclusion a no-brainer.

Centre-back: Ruben Dias (Manchester City)

It is impressive for any player to arrive in the Premier League and pick up the division’s Player of the Season award at the first time of asking — but even more so for a central defender.

That feat showcases the impact of Portuguese defender Ruben Dias last term, inspiring City to the league title and Champions League final with an array of sensational performances at the back which assure him of his spot alongside Varane in this XI.

Left-back: Joao Cancelo (Manchester City)

Playing alongside his compatriot Dias, full-back Joao Cancelo has rapidly established himself as one of the Premier League’s most capable operators — down in no small part to his remarkable versatility.

Voted in the division’s Team of the Year at right-back last term, the bulk of Cancelo’s appearances in 2021-22 have come on the opposite flank in a switch that has not had any negative impact on his reliably impressive performance levels.

Centre midfield: Paul Pogba (Manchester United)

Despite proving a divisive figure throughout his second stint at Old Trafford, there is no denying that when Paul Pogba is firing on all cylinders he is capable of mixing it with the very best.

The enigmatic Frenchman will miss this weekend’s clash through suspension but would undoubtedly relish playing in this team full of devilishly creative attacking players.

Centre midfield: Kevin De Bruyne (Manchester City)

Considered among the greatest central midfielders in world football, City’s brilliant Belgian Kevin De Bruyne is arguably the first name on the team sheet of this combined XI.

Injury issues may have kept the 30-year-old out of the spotlight in recent times but 32 assists across the previous two campaigns is a tally fit to rival any forward-thinking player on the planet.

Right wing: Phil Foden (Manchester City)

Phil Foden has been forced to bide his time at City but the 21-year-old academy graduate can now consider himself one of the most important figures in Guardiola’s side.

His coming-of-age campaign in 2020-21 saw him become an integral figure in his boyhood club’s title win while also playing virtually every minute in their run to the Champions League final — a fine achievement by anyone’s standards.

Attacking midfield: Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United)

The third of four Portuguese players in our combined XI, Bruno Fernandes has been somewhat outshone by his national team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo at Old Trafford since the summer but remains one of the league’s most dangerous players.

With seven goal involvements in 10 games, Fernandes is still operating at a similar ratio to his spectacular 2020-21 season where he notched up 18 goals and 11 assists.

Left wing: Jack Grealish (Manchester City)

The fanfare surrounding Jack Grealish’s £100m move from Aston Villa this summer meant the 26-year-old arrived at the Etihad with plenty of pressure on his shoulders, but early signs are that he can prove any doubters wrong.

The dynamic playmaker has one goal and two assists to his name in nine Premier League appearances and is looking more comfortable in Guardiola’s side week by week.

Striker: Cristiano Ronaldo (Manchester United)

With City having very publicly missed out on their top target Harry Kane this summer, it is United’s marksman who leads the line — but Cristiano Ronaldo is hardly in the side by default.

The 36-year-old megastar has been simply sublime since returning to English shores with nine goals in 11 appearances across all competitions, including a few that will make fine additions to his already ludicrous career highlight reel. 

Do you rate our combined XI? Let us know by tweeting @LiveScore.