sport news Kobbie Mainoo is a shoo-in midfield, while Cole Palmer starts in the forward ... trends now

sport news Kobbie Mainoo is a shoo-in midfield, while Cole Palmer starts in the forward ... trends now
sport news Kobbie Mainoo is a shoo-in midfield, while Cole Palmer starts in the forward ... trends now

sport news Kobbie Mainoo is a shoo-in midfield, while Cole Palmer starts in the forward ... trends now

Chelsea host Manchester United tonight hoping to resurrect their European hopes with a statement win. 

The Red Devils emerged 2-1 victors from their encounter back in December, with a certain Scott McTominay producing the goods to gobble up all three points. 

But there's no place for the United stalwart this time around as we at Mail Sport assemble our combined XI for tonight's clash. And trust us - there were some tricky decisions! 

Mail Sport has assembled a combined XI ahead of Chelsea's match with Manchester United

Mail Sport has assembled a combined XI ahead of Chelsea's match with Manchester United

GOALKEEPER: ANDRE ONANA (MANCHESTER UNITED)

Onana's turnaround in recent months has been one of the driving forces keeping United's threadbare Champions League hopes alive. 

After an error-strewn start following a £47million move from Inter Milan, Onana has bounded into 2024 and given his side a chance in every game - even though he's peppered with among the most shots in the league. 

Dorde Petrovic has seized his chance with Chelsea after Robert Sanchez's injury and kept his place to give them a reliable presence between the sticks. That said, he had to do better with Dara O'Shea's headed equaliser on Saturday - that slipped through his hands. 

Onana's form since the Africa Cup of Nations justifies his selection - and he recently admitted he has turned a corner mentally

Andre Onana's form since the African Cup of Nations has gone some way to justifying his purchase

Andre Onana's form since the African Cup of Nations has gone some way to justifying his purchase

RIGHT-BACK: MALO GUSTO (CHELSEA)

With Reece James still suppressed by injuries, Gusto has given Chelsea fans someone exciting to cheer on down the right flank.

His haul of eight assists in all competitions and crossing ability has given the Blues an edge, and with Cole Palmer marauding ahead of him, they form a strong pairing. 

Diogo Dalot was a shout for this position, but as you'll soon discover, he was needed elsewhere...

Malo Gusto has provided eight assist from right-back this season, only two fewer than Trent Alexander-Arnold

Malo Gusto has provided eight assist from right-back this season, only two fewer than Trent Alexander-Arnold 

CENTRE-BACK: AXEL DISASI (CHELSEA) 

A commanding presence, good on the ball, and reliably fit - Disasi ranks among the better signings Chelsea have made in the player-guzzling Todd Boehly era. 

His bond at the back with Benoit Badiashile, or should we call it a bromance, has been a defining feature of their season. 

If Lisando Martinez's season hadn't been riddled with injuries, Disasi would definitely have been under threat for this XI, but he makes it in.  

Axel Disasi has adapted to Premeir League life better than some of Chelsea's other signings

Axel Disasi has adapted to Premeir League life better than some of Chelsea's other signings 

CENTRE-BACK: RAPHAEL VARANE (MANCHESTER UNITED) 

He's had his critics this season and even lost his place to Jonny Evans at one point, but Varane can be assured of his place if Mail Sport is in charge.

The 30-year-old has regained his place, playing in all of United's league games this year, and is without question their best defender. 

That does mean Disasi misses out on his Badiashile dream partnership, but he'll just have to cope with a four-time Champions League winner by his side. 

Raphael Varane is Manchester UNited's best defender, even if his form has fallen below his usual standards

Raphael Varane is Manchester UNited's best defender, even if his form has fallen below his usual standards 

LEFT-BACK: DIOGO DALOT (MANCHESTER UNITED)

One of the few Man United players this season who I am happy to call consistent. 

Week in, week out, Dalot has been there, starting all but three of United's league games. He was suspended for one and the others were the first two games of the campaign.

He's not as defensively solid as Aaron Wan-Bissaka nor as good going forward as Gusto, but he can play on either side of the defence and hold his own. 

Diogo Dalot has been present through all of UNited's high and lows this season with consistent showings

Diogo Dalot has been present through all of UNited's high and lows this season with consistent showings 

CENTRE-MIDFIELD: KOBBIE MAINOO (MANCHESTER UNITED)

The most obvious pick for this team

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