It’s been a season of contrasting fortunes for these two clubs.

City have been a winning machine, scoring aplenty and destroying everything in their path, while United are slowly showing signs of recovery after a poor start.

So, what better time to take a look at the best combined XI we can put together between the squads?

GK: David de Gea (Manchester United)

This was a difficult one. Ederson is in great form and has only conceded four goals in the Premier League this season.

But we’ve gone for natural ability and despite doing his best to let in every shot on target, De Gea has the ability to pull out a match winning save from nowhere.

RB: Kyle Walker (Manchester City)

One of the easier decisions we’ll have to make. Since José Mourinho came in, it’s been a battle between Ashley Young and Antonio Valencia for this spot.

But Walker is streaks ahead of both. Ridiculous recovery speed, improved defensive nous and a constant threat down the flank.

CB: John Stones (Manchester City)

Eyebrows were raised when he was brought to the club for €50m but what an investment that could prove to be going forward.

Stones looks so natural in the heart of defence, with his ball playing skills unparalleled in the top flight. The future of City and England.

CB: Aymeric Laporte (Manchester City)

One of the most underrated players in England? That’s definitely a shout.

City are yet to lose a game when Laporte has started and he looks to be getting better every week. Strong, quick, commanding – brilliant.

LB: Luke Shaw (Manchester United)

Yes, we know Mendy gets assists but we haven’t been convinced by him this season and Pep hasn’t been either.

That’s why we’re going for Shaw. The 23-year-old has fought his way back at Old Trafford and even saw his impressive form rewarded with a new deal.

DM: Fernandinho (Manchester City)

City have billions of pounds at their disposal, but they can’t buy an anti-ageing potion for Fernandinho which would probably be top of the shopping list.

Not as athletic as he once was, the Brazilian just patrols the centre circle, winning the ball back and giving it to those who cause damage.

CM: Paul Pogba (Manchester United)

We’re sorry, Bernardo Silva. But the De Gea principle has to be applied again here.

Pogba has been hot and cold this season but when he turns it on, that moment of magic can really influence games which is what you need on derby day.

CM: David Silva (Manchester City)

Nicknamed ‘the magician’ by City fans for obvious reasons, we couldn’t not include this man.

Silva has been playing at the top level – consistently – for over a decade and now he’s adding goals to his faultless first touch and laser-like passing.

RW: Raheem Sterling (Manchester City)

Raheem the dream. Not everyone’s favourite player but you can’t argue with how much he’s improved at the Etihad.

Mohamed Salah is now the only Premier League player with more goals and assists (5o) than Sterling (43) since the start of last season.

LW: Anthony Martial (Manchester United)

We’re going to get pelters for this but Jogi Löw isn’t the only person that can leave Leroy Sané out of his team.

Martial has been restored to the starting eleven by Mourinho of late, scoring five in his last seven appearances. His curling efforts are so dangerous from the left.

ST: Sergio Agüero (Manchester City)

Again, no competition for this spot really. Agüero had a battle on his hands with Gabriel Jesus sniffing around but he’s proven his worth.

The former Atlético striker has directly contributed to more goals (14) than any other Premier League player this season, showing there’s more to his game than just poaching.