Games in the Premier League do not come much bigger than Manchester United vs. Manchester City. The 199th competitive meeting sees questions hang over both teams. Manchester United have taken just four points from their opening three league games, while City have won all four of their subsequent competitive fixtures. But how many players does that earn them in a combined XI? ESPN takes a look.

Goalkeeper: Gianluigi Donnarumma. The big Italian has not had the most confident of starts, but remains one of the best in the world. Right back: Abdukodir Khusanov. The Uzbek defender has developed into a dependable and rapid defender. Centre back: Marc Guéhi. The City and England man is the best centre back across both squads. Centre back: Lisandro Martínez. The first inclusion from the red side, Martínez has returned impressively to demonstrate his best form.

Left back: Nico O'Reilly. The City academy graduate has been a revelation since making his senior debut in 2024. Central midfield: Elliot Anderson. Eyebrows were raised when Anderson joined this summer for £116 million ($154m), but the 23-year-old already looks like a seasoned member of the City first team.