- Manchester City take on Arsenal this Sunday
- Whoever wins gains huge advantage in Premier League
- City in much better form
With Manchester City facing off against Arsenal this weekend, we have picked a combined XI featuring players from both clubs.
The top two sides in England are preparing to face each other in what has been labelled a title-deciding fixture between City and Arsenal.
Pep Guardiola’s side are six points behind the Gunners, but have a game in hand over their rivals heading into the weekend.
A win would therefore reduce the gap to just three points, meaning City could draw level with the league leaders if they beat Burnley next Wednesday.
Ahead of this massive encounter, we have picked our combined Manchester City and Arsenal XI as the anticipation builds for Sunday.
Manchester City vs Arsenal Combined XI
For our combined team, we have only considered players who are fit and available for this weekend, meaning some big names have missed out on selection.
GK – David Raya
In goal, we have selected David Raya. The Arsenal keeper is leading this year’s race for the Premier League’s Golden Glove award. He has 15 clean sheets this season, compared with 12 for Man City’s Gianluigi Donnarumma. Both are among the best keepers in the world, but we feel Raya edges it on current form.
RB – Matheus Nunes
Completing our back four, Matheus Nunes is our choice at right-back. The Portuguese star has been excellent this season, and gets the nod over Ben White, who has struggled in recent weeks for Arsenal.
CB – Marc Guehi
In the heart of our defence, Marc Guehi undoubtedly deserves a place. The former Crystal Palace captain has been talismanic since he arrived at the Etihad in January. Guehi’s calming presence and imposing physicality have helped City sure up their defence, and given the Carabao Cup winners a massive boost.
CB – Gabriel
Alongside Guehi, Arsenal’s Gabriel has also been magnificent this season. The Brazilian international is one of the best defenders in the world, and has shown that ability all season for Mikel Arteta’s side.
LB – Nico O’Reilly
After picking up a hamstring issue in their win at Chelsea, Nico O’Reilly looked unlikely to be fit for this weekend. However, Pep Guardiola has confirmed the young full-back is ready to go, meaning he makes our combined XI thanks to his scintillating recent form – including scoring both goals when City beat Arsenal in last month’s Carabao Cup final.
CM – Rodri
Moving into midfield, Rodri is another name that feels impossible to leave out. The Ballon d’Or winner’s contract situation may be uncertain, but his quality is not. Rodri has once again proven his worth in the City midfield and continues to be the heartbeat of Guardiola’s side.
CM – Declan Rice
Like Rodri, Arsenal’s Declan Rice is pivotal to his side’s success. Without the England international, the Gunners have struggled to control games and look incredibly vulnerable. If Arteta is to finally go one better and lead his side to the title, Rice will have to be fit and firing in the final weeks.
RW – Antoine Semenyo
Were he fit, it would have been hard to leave out Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka. However, the England star’s injury problems have continued to limit his playing time this season, and Semenyo has shone since moving to City.
CAM – Rayan Cherki
Next up, Rayan Cherki has been simply sensational this season, particularly in recent weeks. Pundits and teammates alike are running out of superlatives to describe the phenomenal Frenchman, who has three assists in City’s last three games.
ST – Erling Haaland
Perhaps the easiest selection in this combined XI, Erling Haaland is our selection up front. The Norwegian striker is simply unstoppable when he’s in the mood, as Liverpool found out recently. Haaland is a world-class talent and walks into just about any starting lineup in the world.
LW – Jeremy Doku
On the left, Jeremy Doku has excelled this season and makes it into our combined XI. The Belgian has 18 goal involvements in all competitions and has been a constant threat down the left flank.
What time do Man City take on Arsenal?
Manchester City and Arsenal will kick off at 16:30 BST on Sunday, April 19 at the Etihad Stadium. The match will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Premier League and Sky Sports Main Event in the UK.
