Chelsea-Utd combined XI

Costa or Zlatan? Blind or David Luiz? Fellaini or Kante? See which players make it into a stats-based Chelsea v Man Utd XI…

Ahead of Sunday’s Stamford Bridge showdown, much of the focus will be on Jose Mourinho’s return to his former club. But what about the players on the field?

Here, WhoScored.com reveal their highest rated combined XI of the two sides this season based on over 200 raw statistics…

David de Gea – WhoScored.com rating 6.60

While the Spaniard hasn’t been at his best this season, he was back on form against Liverpool last time out and the 25-year-old edges out Thibaut Courtois (6.38) for the goalkeeping position. De Gea has not only conceded fewer goals than his Belgian counterpart this season (eight v nine) but also made more than twice as many saves (21 to 10).

Antonio Valencia – WhoScored.com rating 7.48

The right-back position was one that Mourinho was expected to strengthen this summer but it appears Antonio Valencia has done enough to convince the Portuguese he needn’t splash out, and understandably so after a strong start to the campaign. The converted winger has made more tackles than any other United player (23) – including a superb last-gasp challenge against Liverpool on Monday night. Up against an out-of-sorts Branislav Ivanovic (7.03), he comfortably made the cut.

Eric Bailly – WhoScored.com rating 7.30

Eric Bailly has impressed since his big-money summer switch from Villarreal and the strong, athletic 22-year-old has shown he’s able to read the game well, too, with a team-high 29 interceptions. He’s also proven comfortable in possession by completing 88.8 per cent of his passes.

Daley Blind – WhoScored.com rating 7.68

When Mourinho was appointed as manager and subsequently signed Bailly, many felt Daley Blind’s days at United may be numbered. Not so, however, …

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