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Manchester derby XI: Romelu Lukaku and Gabriel Jesus miss out in Charlie Nicholas' line-up

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Image: Charlie Nicholas picks his best Manchester XI

We challenged Charlie Nicholas to pick his best Manchester XI ahead of Sunday derby.

The Soccer Saturday pundit has favoured Manchester United players in his defence, while Man City attackers dominate in the forward positions.

The Manchester derby, live from 4.15pm on Sky Sports Premier League, is also this weekend's Sky Sports Fantasy Six-a-Side fixture, with £5,000 up for grabs for the highest-scoring six.

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The Manchester Derby - live on Sky Sports - Sunday December 10

Here is Charlie's XI in full and the reasons behind his selections...

COMBINED XI

My first pick has to be David de Gea. He was unbelievable against Arsenal last weekend and over the last 18 months he's established himself as the best in the world. To maintain such concentration and consistency in a top side is incredible.

David De Gea during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Manchester United at Emirates Stadium on December 2, 2017 in London, England.
Image: David de Gea is the best goalkeeper in the world, says Charlie

Then I'm going for Antonio Valencia as my right back. Kyle Walker is quicker, but Valencia has more of a powerful presence and he also scores more goals than the England international.

There's not such a luxury of great options on the left. Neither side really has a standout player, with Benjamin Mendy out and Jose Mourinho clearly doesn't fancy Luke Shaw or Daley Blind. Fabian Delph has equipped himself impressively in that role, being a decent tackler who is also comfortable on the ball.

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Vincent Kompany is the best defender from the two squads. Yes people point to his injuries taking their toll, but he's a real leader, like John Terry, and is the complete package when fit.

Eric Bailly believes he has improved tactically under Jose Mourinho
Image: Charlie Nicholas rates Eric Bailly (left) as United's best defender

I'm still not convinced by Nicolas Otamendi, though, as he's still got too many mistakes in his game, so I'm going for Eric Bailly, who is a bit raw, but has great pace and reads the game well.

My holding midfielder would have to be Nemanja Matic. He allows my Hollywood players to go about their business and there's plenty of great options to pick from.

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Paul Pogba has really benefited from Matic's arrival and it is no coincidence that his game has improved so much this season.

However, the rest of the attack comes from the blue side of Manchester, starting with the best in the business right now, Kevin De Bruyne.

West Ham United's Argentinian defender Pablo Zabaleta (C) reacts as Manchester City's Spanish midfielder David Silva (L) celebrates scoring their second go
Image: David Silva (left) provided City with another later win last weekend

Keeping track of him and David Silva is virtually impossible so Silva's absence is a big blow, although Pep Guardiola certainly isn't short of options to replace him.

People are suggesting that Raheem Sterling is City's most improved player this season, but he's still behind Leroy Sane for me. He's learnt the importance of maintaining the width in City's attacks and his movement is incredible.

Then it is a fairly easy pick for me to lead the line, Sergio Aguero. Jamie Carragher suggested that Silva is City's greatest-ever player, but for me it is the record-breaker Aguero who has really been key to elevating them through the ranks.

Sergio Aguero celebrates as he scores against Burnley
Image: Sergio Aguero is City's greatest-ever player, says Charlie

Romelu Lukaku would struggle to get on to my bench as I think Zlatan Ibrahimovic is United's most important striker. Lukaku hasn't delivered in the big games so I wouldn't be surprised if Zlatan started on Sunday.

Leaving out Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford was harder for me. I think Rashford will be United's first-choice No 9 in a couple of seasons.

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