sport news Sofascore's Man City and Man United combined XI ahead of FA Cup final trends now
With the trophy already half-inscribed ahead of their historic FA Cup final, the countdown to Manchester City and Manchester United's final meeting this season is on.
For Pep Guardiola's side, Saturday's match is the halfway mark to completing a seldom-seen feat: securing the Treble with victory in the Premier League clinched, and a Champions League final to come.
For United, their mission is all the more urgent, with the team not only inspired by the thought of a second piece of silverware this season, but the chance to snuff out the hopes of their crosstown rivals matching their club's distinguishing triumph.
With the stakes high, both Guardiola and his opposite number Erik ten Hag will be hard at work at crafting their unbeatable starting XI.
But with both squads to call upon, who makes it into Sofascore's combined starting XI ahead of the trip to Wembley?
Manchester City dominate Sofascore's combined XI in attack after a white-hot 2022-23 season
After securing Champions League football and a strong season, United have an impressive showing in the line-up
Goalkeeper: David de Gea (Manchester United) 6.93
Golden Glove winner De Gea has seen out a season of extreme contrasts. Whilst the Spainard has fumbled in dramatic fashion at crucial points for United this season, his clean sheet record towers over Ederson's.
His mentality is admirable too. Despite the criticism his performances have at times attracted, the goalkeeper has remained a coolheaded leader for United at the back.
David de Gea has made some high profile errors but remains undroppable for his manager
Defender: Diogo Dalot (Manchester United) 7.05
Whilst Erik ten Hag is preparing for a defensive revamp during the summer transfer window, one player not under threat is the Portugal international. Dalot has had a new lease of life under the Dutch manager, and been rewarded with frequent inclusions in the starting XI.
The Portuguese defender is set to sign a bumper new contract after a strong showing this year
Defender: John Stones (Manchester City) 7.03
The transformation of Stones' position this season has played an integral part in spurring Manchester City's Treble charge, his tweaked defensive midfield role key to Pep Guardiola's side's untouchable dominance.
Along with his team-mate Rodri, the pair's inclusion in this starting XI was never in doubt.
The transformation of John Stones this season has added fire power to City's Treble chase
Defender: Lisandro Martinez (Manchester United) 7.12
10 months ago, Martinez's move to Manchester from Ajax raised eyebrows, but after an electrifying debut season for the Red Devils, it is notable that news of his season-ending metatarsal injury against Sevilla put United's hopes of Champions League qualification in doubt.
The World Cup winner has been a stalwart in Ten Hag's backline this season, and full to the brim of the fight that his manager requests from his players.
Lisandro Martinez quickly adjusted to life in the Premier League after moving from Ajax
Defender: Luke Shaw (Manchester United) 7.10
Shaw is another United player who has
