Manchester City vs Arsenal combined XI ahead of Etihad clash | OneFootball

Manchester City and Arsenal go head-to-head in the Premier League on Sunday, a huge showdown between the top two teams from each of the last two campaigns.

Arsenal are aiming to close the gap on the Premier League’s dominant force, having finished as narrow runners-up again last season. It’s been more than two decades since the Gunners last won the Premier League but there is a feeling in North London that Arsenal are close. However, dethroning Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City machine will be no easy task.

Ahead of their clash at the Etihad, we’ve picked our Manchester City and Arsenal Combined XI from the players available for selection.

Manchester City vs Arsenal – Combined XI

Goalkeeper: David Raya – Arsenal

It seems a long time ago that David Raya’s status at Arsenal was being questioned. After a shaky start, the Spaniard recovered to win the Premier League’s Golden Glove last season and has started the new season in terrific form. After Save of the Season contenders against Wolves and Aston Villa, he produced the best of the lot with a phenomenal double stop against Atalanta in midweek.

Right-back: Ben White – Arsenal

Rico Lewis has impressed during Kyle Walker’s delayed start to the season, though Ben White earns inclusion in our combined side. The Arsenal defender remains one of the most under-rated right-backs in the league, with his tactical versatility contributing to the division’s best defence. His self-imposed England exclusion is an issue that should be addressed.

Centre-back: Ruben Dias – Manchester City

Ruben Dias has been a rock-like presence since he arrived in English football, with the Portugal international earning four consecutive Premier League titles. A leader without the armband at the Etihad, Dias’ determined brand of defending adds steel to the Citizens.

Centre-back: William Saliba – Arsenal

The very best defenders make defending appear effortless and William Saliba so often appears in cruise control for Arsenal. Rarely flustered, it’s even rarer still that he is beaten by opponents with the Frenchman a mix of poise and power. Still just 23, Arsenal will want to build the team around Saliba for seasons to come.

Left-back: Josko Gvardiol – Manchester City

Josko Gvardiol might be the perfect defender for a Pep Guardiola side. The Croatian changes positions with ease, offers comfort and ball retention in possession, and combines those traits with a bullish strength that makes him near impossible to shake off the ball. Add in the goal threat he showed towards the end of last season and the 22-year-old is the full package.

Midfield: Rodri – Manchester City

Next month’s Ballon d’Or ceremony might see Rodri do the unthinkable and claim football’s greatest prize. The Spaniard is one of the leading candidates for the forward-dominated accolade, having enhanced his reputation as irreplaceable for club and country in 2024.

The world’s best defensive midfielder, Rodri was named Player of the Tournament as Spain won Euro 2024 in the summer. Few players are as individually important to their side’s fortunes.

Midfield: Declan Rice – Arsenal

Declan Rice’s return to the Arsenal side is perfectly timed for this weekend’s showdown, with the England midfielder available after a one-game suspension. His athleticism, strength and set-piece threat will be an important part of Arsenal’s game plan to nullify a Manchester City midfield that so often dominates possession.

Midfield: Kevin De Bruyne – Manchester City

De Bruyne is understood to be a doubt for the clash and that status will lead to contrasting emotions in the opposite camps. The Belgium midfielder might just be the finest midfielder the league has seen, with an assist-per-game ratio comfortably clear of his rivals. Only Ryan Giggs has ever created more goals in the Premier League.

Right-wing: Bukayo Saka – Arsenal

Some suggest Bukayo Saka is yet to enter world-class territory. Definitions differ, of course, but we’d challenge anyone to name five better right-wingers than the Arsenal man right now.

Saka has 87 goals and assists in 178 Premier League appearances and, at 22, is just getting started.

Left-wing: Phil Foden – Manchester City

Sure, left-wing might not be Phil Foden’s favoured position but the Manchester City midfielder is so good he has to feature.

Last season’s PFA Player of the Year and FWA Footballer of the Year awards were richly deserved for Foden, who scored 27 goals in all competitions in a real coming-of-age campaign. The Stockport-born schemer is a pleasure to watch.

Forward: Erling Haaland – Manchester City

No arguments, here.

Haaland is a frightening force of nature who has already amassed nine goals in four games to start the Premier League season. Yes, nine.

It’s now 72 goals in 70 appearances since his arrival in the Premier League, a goal-per-game return that makes Messrs Shearer, Henry, Aguero et al look comparatively profligate.

This is meant to be the world’s toughest league. Haaland makes it look like a walk in the park.

Read – Arsenal XI vs Manchester City – Predicted lineup and team news

See more – Five of the best games between Arsenal and Manchester City

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