Arsenal vs Manchester City – Carabao Cup final Combined XI | OneFootball

Arsenal and Manchester City meet in a massive showdown at Wembley this afternoon, with the Carabao Cup the prize.

The top two in the Premier League battle for the season’s first silverware. For Mikel Arteta, it’s a chance to end Arsenal’s six-year trophy drought and keep quadruple hopes alive; City aim for their sixth title in 11 years.

Ahead of this major clash, we created an Arsenal and Manchester City Combined XI.

Goalkeeper: David Raya – Arsenal

Pep Guardiola’s confirmation that James Trafford will start in Manchester City makes this a more straightforward selection than it might have been. Trafford is a terrific young goalkeeper, but Raya has emerged as one of the world’s finest at Arsenal.

There is a chance, of course, that Arteta also sticks with his own number two, Kepa Arrizabalaga, in cup competition. It’s a big decision.

Right-back: Jurrien Timber – Arsenal

Arsenal boast the best backline in the Premier League – if not Europe. Jurrien Timber has been a mainstay of the meanest back four in the division, with the Dutchman dependable at both ends of the pitch.

Centre-back: William Saliba – Arsenal

William Salbia has entered an elite bracket of players who perform with such consistency that their performances now go somewhat overlooked. Gabriel has taken more headlines than Saliba this season, but the Frenchman’s been no less impressive. A Rolls-Royce.

Centre-back: Gabriel – Arsenal

An unmissable presence in both boxes and a big reason why Arsenal have become such a threat at set-pieces. When the big Brazilian is charging towards a delivery, there’s usually only one outcome.

Left-back: Piero Hincapie – Arsenal

Hincapie nailed down the left-back role at Arsenal despite considerable competition, producing an eye-catching run of form. The Ecuadorian is perhaps the ideal Arteta full-back, combining tenacious defensive work with physical presence.

Midfield: Rodri – Manchester City

Rodri might not have returned to his Ballon d’Or level post-knee injury just yet, but the Spaniard remains the conduit of the Manchester City side. City’s best football flows through him, and Guardiola needs his midfield metronome to shine at Wembley.

Midfield: Declan Rice – Arsenal

Perhaps the leading candidate for the Footballer of the Year awards, should Arsenal get over the line this season.

Rice’s powerhouse performances have been at the centre of Arsenal’s success this season, while he’s evolved into one of the best set-piece takers in the Premier League.

Right-wing: Bukayo Saka – Arsenal

Bukayo Saka has not been at his absolute best this season, but even a below-par campaign for the Arsenal winger is productive. Saka has struck 10 goals and created six more, with the Hale End poster boy likely to have a big role across the run-in.

Left-wing: Rayan Cherki – Manchester City

In an era where clubs spend extraordinary sums on new signings, the arrival of Rayan Cherki for just north of £30m was among the best-value deals in the league.

The Frenchman is a fabulous watch with elite technique, who is closing in on double digits for both goals and assists. We might have only scratched the surface of what Cherki, who doesn’t turn 23 until August, can do.

Forward: Antoine Semenyo – Manchester City

Antoine Semenyo has hit the ground running at Manchester City after arriving from Bournemouth in January.

The £62.5m deal already looks like value, with Semenyo having scored seven times in 16 games. He’s hit 15 for the season in the Premier League in what has been a true coming-of-age campaign.

Forward: Erling Haaland – Manchester City

Erling Haaland is a shoo-in for almost any Combined XI, even amid a drought by his impossible standards.

Haaland hasn’t hit genuine form since the turn of the year, but still leads the Golden Boot race with 22 goals and has 30 in all competitions. He’s surpassed the 30-goal mark in all four seasons at the Etihad, a priceless contribution.

Read – The most memorable League Cup final moments ever

See more – Arsenal vs Manchester City – Match preview and team news

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