Manchester United vs Manchester City: Who makes our combined XI ahead of this weekend's derby?

Do Vincent Kompany and Wayne Rooney make our combined XI? (Getty Images)

Come four o’clock on Sunday afternoon, the 170th Manchester derby will have concluded and we will have a better idea of where each of these sides stands this season.

Where Manchester United are at is anyone’s guess. One week, Louis van Gaal’s men effortlessly sweep aside their opposition and play like the title contenders that their transfer spending says they should be.

The next, they put in a dour display, full of square passes and needless possession that snuffs out momentum.

The club’s past week followed exactly this pattern. After an impressive 3-0 victory at Goodison Park came the uncertain display against CSKA Moscow.

United managed to bring a vital point back from Russia but it was a performance that raised more questions than answers.

For the visitors Manchester City, this weekend represents a chance to steam ahead of an immediate rival.

They can go five points ahead of their neighbours with a win on Sunday, which would keep them at the top of the Premier League table with only Arsenal in touching distance.

There is, of course, a long way to go but after a slight wobble before the international break, Manuel Pellegrini’s side will hope to kick on and regain their status as the undisputed favourites for this season’s championship.

None of this would be a problem, of course, if these ‘noisy neighbours’ got along.

Ahead of the derby, The Independent put together what we think is the best team, playing 4-2-3-1, comprised of players both sides of Manchester who could feature this weekend.

Who makes our United and City combined XI? Take a look through the gallery below to find out…

Total players: Manchester United 4, Manchester City 7