Manchester City vs Arsenal: Which Players Make a Combined XI?

Manchester City face Arsenal this weekend, in the latest instalment of this thrilling Premier League title race. Pep Guardiola’s men currently sit third in the Premier League table, whilst Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal side are perched on the top of the table.

Sunday’s game would give Arsenal the chance to move four points clear of Manchester City, but a victory for the Citizens would see them return to the top spot – depending on Liverpool’s result against Brighton earlier that day.

Both teams are rich with some of the most talented players in the world, but the question is, who would make a combined eleven?

GK- Ederson (Manchester City)

Depsite David Raya’s recent upturn in form for Arsenal, Manchester City’s Ederson is still a much better keeper. The Brazilian has been the second best keeper in the league, behind Alisson Becker, for many years now. It’s incredibly hard to argue against Ederson’s three Premier League Golden Glove awards.

RB- Kyle Walker (Manchester City)

Arguably the best right-back in the Premier League or even the world, Kyle Walker easily makes it into this combined eleven. Ben White has been very impressive for Arsenal, but Walker has been one of City’s standout performers this season, despite claims at the start of the season that he should be replaced.

CB- William Saliba (Arsenal)

The first Arsenal name in this combined eleven is William Saliba, who is undoubtedly one of the best centre-backs in the league. The Frenchman’s return to fitness has gone hand-in-hand with Arsenal’s serious bid for the title. His defensive partner, Gabriel, may find himself unlucky to miss out on this occasion.

CB- John Stones (Manchester City)

Despite missing a large part of this season through injury, John Stones is still rated as one of the best defenders in the league, and rightly so. The versatile defender has seemingly surpasses Ruben Dias’ reputation in recent years, too.

LB- Nathan Ake (Manchester City

This position is certainly the weakest point of both of these sides, with Nathan Ake ultimately being my choice. The Dutchman has been a steady option for Guardiola this season and certainly trumps his rivals choices of Jakub Kiwior and Olexandr Zinchenko.

CDM- Rodri (Manchester City)

The Spaniard would easily walk into any team in Europe at the moment, so he comfortably makes this combined eleven. Rodri is undoubtedly the linchpin to all of Manchester City’s success over recent years and is definitely worthy of a shout for Premier League Player of the Year.

CM- Declan Rice (Arsenal)

When you look at the differences between Arsenal last season and this season, it’s hard to deny the impact that Declan Rice has had on their title charge. The midfielder has added a much-needed sense of maturity and reliability to Arsenal’s midfield and could definitely prove to be the difference in the final stretch for the title.

CM- Kevin De Bruyne (Manchester City)

Despite his injury struggles this season, he’s still one of the best players in the world due to his pure world-class quality. Speculation is starting to rise about De Bruyne’s future at Man City, but either way he will have all eyes on the Premier League title this season.

RW- Bukayo Saka (Arsenal)

Both sides have plenty of choice in the attacking departments, but Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka makes it into this side on the right-wing. It was a close call between the Englishman and Bernardo Silva, but it’s hard to ignore how crucial Saka is to Arsenal’s brilliant performances lately.

ST- Erling Haaland (Manchester City)

Arguably the best striker in the world comparing to a side that plays without a recognised number-nine – I don’t think you’ll find an easier decision than this. Regardless of what you think about his overall game, goals follow the Norwegian everywhere he goes, as he looks set to pick up yet another golden boot.

LW- Phil Foden (Manchester City)

The final spot in this side goes to Phil Foden on the left-wing. Foden has arguably been City’s best player over recent months and has done brilliantly to fill the void left by Kevin De Bruyne’s injuries this year. The youngster will still fancy himself a chance at winning the Premier League Player of the Year award.