Manchester derby combined XI: Which side has the edge ahead of WSL clash? | OneFootball

(Credit: Jayde Chamberlain/ SPP)

Man City host Manchester United on Saturday in the Women’s Super League, and here SheKicks selects our combined XI for the Manchester derby, as Andree Jeglertz’s side look to defend their place at the top of the WSL table.

City go into Matchday 9 as the new league leaders thanks to Chelsea’s 1-1 draw with Arsenal last weekend.

Manchester United are four points down in third after they suffered their first WSL defeat of the season to Aston Villa.

The hosts will be the fresher of the two sides, after the Red Devils played in the Women’s Champions League on Wednesday night, beating Paris Saint-Germain 2-1.

Below, SheKicks selects our combined XI for Man City vs Manchester United. Players who are certain to miss the game, including City’s injured defender Alex Greenwood, are not eligible for selection.

Man City vs Manchester United combined XI

Goalkeeper

Phallon Tullis-Joyce(Manchester United)

There are doubts over whether Phallon Tullis-Joyce will start for Manchester United this weekend, after an injury to her face meant Safia Middleton-Patel started in the Champions League clash against PSG.

Marc Skinner said the American would be assessed ahead of the game, so she has been given the benefit of the doubt and included in this combined XI.

Tullis-Joyce has made 16 saves this season with a save percentage of 72. This compares to City’s Khiara Kheating, who has made five saves with a save percentage of 71.

Skinner has described Tullis-Joyce as the best goalkeeper he has worked with and one who could become the best in the world.

(Photo by Matt McNulty/Getty Images)

Defenders

Right back – Kerstin Casparij (Man City)

There is little to nothing to separate Kerstin Casparij and Jayde Riviere, who have been among their respective clubs’ best performers so far this season.

We have just given the nod to Casparij, who has four goal contributions in the WSL this season compared to Riviere’s two.

There is little to separate them across other key statistics, with Riviere having the edge when it comes to duels won and interceptions, while Casparij has made more tackles, recoveries and created more chances.

Centre back – Maya Le Tissier (Manchester United)

Maya Le Tissier has arguably been the best centre-back in the WSL this season, despite Sarina Wiegman’s doubts over playing her in the position.

The 23-year-old ranks among the best centre-backs in the league according to key statistics, with 49 recoveries, 34 duels won 14 tackles over her opening eight games.

She also leads the WSL for accurate passes per game at 69.9, just ahead of Manchester City’s Jade Rose.

(Credit: James Holyoak/SPP)

Centre back – Dominique Janssen (Manchester United)

With Alex Greenwood out of action, the second centre-back spot goes to Dominique Janssen, who has a formidable partnership with Le Tissier at the heart of United’s defence.

Janssen will be fresh after she sat out the victory over PSG due to a red card. The 30-year-old gets the nod over Gabby George, Rebecca Knack and Rose.

Left back – Anna Sandberg (Manchester United)

Completing a near-all Manchester United defence is Anna Sandberg, who has been exceptional for the Red Devils this season.

The Swedish full back is averaging 1.54 key passes and 5.05 crosses per game this year and she has already picked up a goal and an assist from defence.

Midfielders

Jess Park (Manchester United)

Starting the midfield is Jess Park, who has arguably been Manchester United’s best performer since her arrival during the summer window.

Park has four goals and two assists in the WSL this season, with only teammate Ella Toone contributing to more goals (seven).

The 24-year-old will be determined to make an impact against her former side when they meet in a match to be broadcast on the BBC on Saturday at 13:30 GMT.

Yui Hasegawa (Man City)

Japanese midfielder Yui Hasegawa is just the second Manchester City player to make the combined XI so far.

Hasegawa is one of the most consistent players in the WSL and it is her ability to help things tick for Manchester City as to why they are top of the league.

She was shortlisted for the PFA Players’ Player of the Year last season and is likely to make the list this year if she continues at her current form.

(Credit: Natalie Mincher/SPP)

Ella Toone (Manchester United)

The final spot in the midfield is a question of whether to go for the defensive-minded hard hard-working Hinata Miyazawa, or the goal contributions that Ella Toone provides to the team.

Miyazawa has played every minute for United in the WSL this season, showing her importance to Marc Skinner’s side.

However, here we have gone for England international Toone, who has more goal contributions than any other player in the WSL this season, with seven.

Forwards

Aoba Fujino (Man City)

Jess Park could have been placed in midfield or on the right of a front three, but it was hard to leave Aoba Fujino out of this team.

Fujino has three goals and one assist in the WSL this season and has the second-highest average rating on FotMob at 7.80, behind Manchester City teammate Khadija Shaw on 7.99.

New City manager Andree Jeglertz has constantly lauded the impact of Fujino on his team, with the winger scoring vital winners against struggling West Ham and Liverpool.

Khadija Shaw (Man City)

Khadija Shaw is the joint-top scorer in the WSL this season with five goals and could make history if she wins her third Golden Boot.

The Manchester City striker is the most deadly scorer in the WSL with 67 goals in the top flight since her arrival at the club.

Shaw could be the difference maker when City face their local rivals this weekend.

Melvine Malard (Manchester United)

Manchester United’s Melvine Malard is tied with Shaw for the top scorer in the WSL this season.

Her goal against PSG took her to six goals in all competitions, matching the tally she achieved for United last season.

Head coach Skinner said that Malard reminded him of Manchester United legend Eric Cantona, and she has developed into one of the best forwards in the league.

Lauren Hemp would have been a strong contender for this position also but is currently out with an injury.