The intriguing stats-based Man City and Man Utd combined XI ahead of derby day clash

Nothing sparks footballing debate like a combined XI. By their very nature, they are a subjective exercise, and no matter who gets included and who is snubbed, you can always guarantee that somebody somewhere is going to be left feeling irked.

But what if there was another way? Ahead of Sunday's Manchester derby, we've put all personal preferences to one side, and have instead consulted the statistical oracles at Whoscored to cook up a team that spans both the red and blue halves of the city, and relies on nothing other than pure, unadulterated average match ratings.

Given Manchester City's relative dominance, you might be forgiven for thinking that Manchester United wouldn't get a look in at all, but after sifting through the data, all we can say is that there are more than a few surprises to grapple with. Check out the full XI below...

GK - Andre Onana - 6.79

No, we're not winding you up. Despite being heavily maligned at various points during his early United career, Onana currently boasts a higher average match rating than City counterpart Ederson.

RB - Diogo Dalot - 6.98

Dalot has been one of United's most consistent performers this season, regardless of which flank he is stationed on. His match rating reflects that too, with only one of Erik ten Hag's squad eclipsing him thus far.

CB - Harry Maguire - 6.85

Three names in, three United players. This season has been something of a renaissance for Maguire, and he is actually the highest-rated centre-back in all of Manchester, at the time of writing.

CB - Manuel Akanji - 6.80

Partnering Maguire, we have our first City star in Akanji. The Swiss defender has been solid as a rock since signing for the champions, and continues to impress for Pep Guardiola's side.

LB - Nathan Ake - 6.75

The lowest-rated player in this XI, Ake has still enjoyed a stellar season for City, whether it be in the centre, or on the left-side of a back four. The Dutchman is a vital presence at the Etihad.

CM - Rodri - 7.58

From the lowest-rated player, to the highest. Once again, Rodri has been integral to City's success this season, and if further proof of his quality was required, you need only look at how badly the champions struggled during his brief absence towards the back end of last year.

CM - Bruno Fernandes - 7.20

Ever since he arrived at Old Trafford, Fernandes has staked his claim as one of United's most influential talents - and so it proves again this term. The Portuguese midfielder has the highest average rating of anybody in the Red Devils' squad, and he will no doubt need to put in a huge shift on Sunday if United are to take anything from their derby day exploits.

CM - Kevin De Bruyne - 7.23

De Bruyne might well be the best creative talent in the Premier League. The Belgian oozes quality on a weekly basis, and his lengthy injury absence earlier in the season was a real blow to City's usual domestic dominance.

RW - Phil Foden - 7.38

Ordinarily deployed on the left or through the middle, we simply had to find a way of shoehorning Foden into this XI somewhere, given who superb he has been this term, and how high his average match rating has been. The England international continues to grow with every passing campaign, and there is no denying his pedigree and potential.

ST - Erling Haaland - 7.43

By Haaland's standard, this has been a relatively quiet season. By anybody else's it has been nothing short of superlative. It's 27 goals in 30 outings for the Norwegian thus far, and there is a very real argument to be made for him being the best striker in world football at present.

LW - Jeremy Doku - 7.30

And finally, even in spite of a recent dip in form, Doku sneaks his way into the XI on the left wing. Explosive and oh so devastating on his day, the Belgian speed demon has been giving Premier League full-backs nightmares ever since he arrived in England.