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By James Cohen Published: 21: 00 AEDT, 2 November 2024 | Updated: 21: 00 AEDT, 2 November 2024 56 View comments Though both sides have fallen from their lofty heights of yesteryear, a clash between Manchester United and Chelsea is always an entertaining one. Their most recent meeting saw the Blues triumph in dramatic fashion as Cole Palmer scored a hat-trick - including a last-minute winner - to help seal a 4-3 victory. Prior to that seven-goal thriller at Stamford Bridge, the west London side had won just once against the Red Devils since 2019. However, times have changed and with the recent departure of Erik ten Hag fresh in the air, there may not be a better time to play United. Here, Mail Sport provides a combined XI between the two Premier League giants. Chelsea and Manchester United will meet in the Premier League on Sunday afternoon The Red Devils suffered a 4-3 defeat when they last faced the west London side Enzo Maresca has got Chelsea moving back towards their best in the opening weeks of the season Goalkeeper - Andre Onana One year ago, you'd be laughed at for putting United shot-stopper Andre Onana in any combined line-up, but, in the present day, it seems the most sensible option. The Cameroonian endured a number of struggles in his debut campaign for the Red Devils however, in the 2024-25 season, he's beginning to find his feet. Perhaps this was best encapsulated by a terrific double-save during their recent 1-1 draw against Fenerbahce in the Europa League. He just gets the nod over Robert Sanchez. Right-back - Reece James Though the Chelsea captain has spent (what feels like) a lifetime on the sidelines due to injury, there's no doubt that he's the best available option at right-back. The England international only lasted 53 minutes as he made his long-awaited comeback during their 2-1 defeat by Liverpool before playing the full 90 minutes in Chelsea's win over Newcastle. It seems somewhat harsh on James' team-mate Malo Gusto, who has shone in the absence of the 24-year-old, but the Blues captain cannot be overlooked. Centre-back - Wesley Fofana The first position in this side which feels like it's up for serious debate. We've opted for Wesley Fofana - over the likes of United's Lisandro Martinez and Matthijs de Ligt - due to how well he's performed since his injury comeback. The French defender was ruled out of the entire 2023-24 campaign after suffering an ACL injury but you wouldn't be able to tell that he'd spent a year on the sidelines. He's been a composed figure at the back for Enzo Maresca's side and has done well to make Blues fans forget about the absence of Thiago Silva. Andre Onana has dramatically improved his form for United during the 2024-25 campaign Chelsea captain Reece James recently made a return from injury in their defeat by Liverpool Wesley Fofana (right) has overcome his previous injury struggles to shine for the Blues Centre-back - Levi Colwill The obvious choice in defence. The England international has become a mainstay in Chelsea's line-up - having started all nine of their league matches - and continues to impress with each display. Data shows that Colwill is one of the top-performing central defenders in the top-flight and his performance in their win over Newcastle certainly supports that. The former Brighton and Huddersfield loanee barely offered the Magpies' attackers a sniff at goal, as he finally asserts himself as a guaranteed Chelsea starter. Left-back - Noussair Mazraoui Though left-back is not his natural position, we've opted for Moroccan star Noussair Mazraoui as the best man for the job in our combined XI. The former Ajax star has hit the ground running since arriving at Old Trafford - barring a brief health scare - and has done well to impress despite United's shaky form in the campaign. He's often played on the right-side but, during their controversial defeat to West Ham, the Moroccan played on the left and did well to nullify Jarrod Bowen up until the late contentious penalty. Levi Colwill has been in sensational form for Enzo Maresca's side so far this season Noussair Mazraoui has settled in well since joining Man United from Ajax in the summer Central midfield - Moises Caicedo When he arrived at Chelsea for a record-breaking £115million, there were questions as to whether Caicedo would be able to live up the expectations. It's perhaps taken a year longer than the Ecuadorian would have liked but it finally seems as though he's managed to silence his doubters with his displays. Caicedo has established himself as Chelsea's most reliable midfielder which, in turn, has seen Enzo Fernandez, who cost over £100m last year, lose his place in the side. Though his stats in regard to goal contributions may not impress at a glance, those who have watched Caicedo will appreciate what he brings to the Chelsea side. Central midfield - Romeo Lavia Unfortunately for Man United fans, their side simply does not have an available midfielder that justifies a spot in this combined XI. Had Kobbie Mainoo been fit, he would have slotted in as the second central midfielder. However, the displays of Casemiro and Manuel Ugarte have left a lot to be desired and so it's Lavia who steps in to the double pivot. The former Southampton midfielder has earned the trust of Maresca and displaced the aforementioned Fernandez with his impressive showings in the heart of midfield. Romeo Lavia (left) and Moises Caicedo (right) have established a solid partnership in midfield Right wing - Cole Palmer The easiest selection in the entire team. Cole Palmer has been the best player in the Premier League this year and refuses to show any signs of slowing up. The Chelsea forward lit up the top-flight in his debut campaign with the Blues last season and has carried that form into 2024-25 after impressing at Euro 2024. He leads the league in total goal contributions - with seven scored and another five assisted - but even without his goal involvements, he's been a standout figure. The composure shown when on the ball simply cannot be trained nor nurtured and, even as a neutral, it's exciting to see how Palmer will develop over the years. Attacking midfield - Bruno Fernandes Yes, that's right. Bruno Fernandes makes it into this team. Though the Manchester United captain has been underwhelming this season - having failed to score a league goal - his talent cannot be argued against. Just take a look at Diogo Dalot's horror miss against West Ham. Fernandes unlocked the defence with one expertly-placed ball over the top, only to be let down by a misfiring team-mate yet again. He may not have shown it much this season but Fernandes is without question United's best and most reliable player. Cole Palmer continues to defy expectations with every performance for the Blues Bruno Fernandes has struggled this year but remains United's most important player Getting Fernandes back to his best should be a priority for interim boss Ruud van Nistelrooy Left wing - Pedro Neto There were a plethora of options for this position - with Jadon Sancho, Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho all considered - but it's £54million summer signing Neto who takes the spot. The former Wolves star has hit the ground running since arriving at Stamford Bridge and has picked up two assists in his last two games for the Blues. His pace and prowess has proved difficult for defenders in the league for years and it appears the Portuguese international is only getting better. Striker - Nicolas Jackson Similarly to United goalkeeper Onana, Nicolas Jackson has transformed himself from a laughing stock last season to one of the league's most reliable forwards this year. With six goals, three assists and a handful of impressive performances - there's little more that Jackson can do to appease the Chelsea faithful. Nicolas Jackson has been in prolific form in the opening weeks of the season for the Blues Not only does Jackson boast impressive numbers but he's become a real nuisance for opposition defenders with his impressive speed and willingness to run in behind. There's no question that the Senegal forward deserves a spot over Rasmus Hojlund. 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