Arsenal vs Manchester City – Combined XI | OneFootball

Arsenal and Manchester City meet in the Premier League this afternoon, the latest contest in a modern rivalry. There’s been plenty of needle between these sides in recent campaigns, as the two compete for the big prizes.

Ahead of their showdown in North London, we’ve picked our Arsenal and Manchester City combined XI.

Arsenal vs Manchester City – Combined XI

Goalkeeper: David Raya – Arsenal

Arguably the toughest decision on the team sheet, with City having bolstered their squad this summer with the addition of man mountain Gianluigi Donnarumma.

Despite Donnarumma’s impressive derby debut, David Raya takes his place in goal. The Spaniard has amassed an incredible catalogue of saves in an Arsenal shirt, including a wonderful fingertip stop from Chris Wood just last weekend.

Right-back: Jurrien Timber – Arsenal

Quietly emerging as one of Europe’s best right-backs. The biggest compliment you can give Timber is that he could probably play almost any position on the pitch.

Centre-back: William Saliba – Arsenal

One half of arguably the Premier League’s best centre-back partnership. The Gunners are yet to concede a goal this season with Saliba on the pitch. A real Rolls-Royce, to use a somewhat overused phrase.

Centre-back: Gabriel – Arsenal

The steel alongside Saliba’s silk. Saliba often takes most of the plaudits, but Gabriel can be equally impressive. A monster in the air, his duel with Erling Haaland will be a decisive battle this afternoon.

Left-back: Josko Gvardiol – Manchester City

Josko Gvardiol breaks up the Arsenal dominance of our backline, with the Croatian a huge talent. Last season’s Player of the Year at the Etihad, Gvardiol managed consistency as others around him faltered. Still just 23, the sky’s the limit.

Midfield: Rodri – Manchester City

How Manchester City are glad to have Rodri back. The Spaniard produced his best performance since returning from an ACL injury in midweek, as the Citizens saw off Napoli in the Champions League. The crucial conduit of Pep Guardiola’s side.

Midfield: Declan Rice – Arsenal

Arsenal edged out Manchester City in the race to sign Declan Rice in 2023 and have been rewarded ever since. From lung-busting energy to brilliant ball-winning and an increasing attacking output, Rice has emerged as a leader for Mikel Arteta.

Right-wing: Phil Foden – Manchester City

Flickers of Foden’s best have reemerged in recent weeks in an encouraging sign for the Citizens. At his best, Foden is a fabulous footballer to watch with wonderful, neat touches and an interpretation of space. City will hope Foden can get back to his 2023/24 PFA Player of the Year levels this season.

Left-wing: Eberechi Eze – Arsenal

A new arrival at Arsenal and previously courted by this weekend’s opponents. Eze was destined for a step up in the summer after five excellent seasons at Crystal Palace. The likeable Londoner will inject new creativity into the Arsenal frontline.

Forward: Erling Haaland – Manchester City

A goal machine. Haaland’s record in a Manchester City shirt now stands at 130 goals in just 151 appearances. Is there a more ruthless goalscorer in world football? Perhaps not.

Forward: Viktor Gyokeres – Arsenal

Viktor Gyokeres completes a Scandinavian strikeforce in our Combined XI, having joined Arsenal in the summer after an absurd goal record at Sporting Lisbon.

Despite some criticism, he’s already netted three goals in four Premier League appearances. Arsenal will hope he can be the difference-maker in clashes of this magnitude.

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