Arsenal host Manchester City in what looks to be the pick of the fixtures this weekend. Neither side can afford to drop points this early into a title race against Liverpool. As the pair prepare to face off, who makes a combined Arsenal and Man City XI assuming everyone is fit?
Goalkeeper: Gianluigi Donnarumma
Two appearances, two clean sheets for Donnarumma. David Raya is unlucky to miss out, having been one of the most consistently high performing keepers in the league. But Donnarumma is the best ‘old school’ goalkeeper in the world. Question marks remain over his ability with the ball at his feet – especially in a Guardiola possession-heavy team, but the big Italian still gets the nod in this combined XI.
Right-back: Jurrien Timber
Since joining from Ajax, Timber has established himself as one of the stand-out ball playing defenders in the league. Comfortable across the back four, Timber’s game relies heavily on game intelligence and anticipation rather than pure physicality. The Dutch defender dislodged Ben White in Arsenal’s starting XI, and is comfortably ahead of City’s Matheus Nunes.
Centre-back: William Saliba
In the conversation with Virgil van Dijk for the best defender in the Premier League. Composed, dominant, quick and powerful, Saliba walks into any team in the league, yet alone in this combined lineup.
Centre-back: Gabriel
Ruben Dias is unlucky to miss out, but Gabriel gets the nod. The Brazilian is a dependable presence in both boxes and has formed a formidable partnership with Saliba that is central to Arsenal’s title hopes this season.
Left-back: Joško Gvardiol
Among a handful of truly world-class defenders in the world. Gvardiol is the epitome of a Guardiola defender; comfortable in possession, flexible across fluid systems and dependable at the back. Calafiori and Lewis-Skelly are strong contenders, but Gvardiol is more of a rounded player.
Central Midfield: Declan Rice
The first name on Arteta’s teamsheet and a necessity for this combined team – Guardiola would love Rice. An all-action midfielder, the arrival of Zubimendi is freeing Rice up to be deployed in a more progressive No.8 role than in previous seasons. His set pieces alone are deadly, yet alone the other world class aspects of his game.
Central Midfield: Rodri
City are not the same without Rodri. He is the foundation and heartbeat of the team, controlling the speed and rhythm of the game. Zubimendi has slotted in beautifully to Arteta’s system, but is a tier below Rodri in terms of overall game impact.
Central Midfield: Tijjani Reijnders
New to City but looks like he’s been playing in a Guardiola system for years. Serie A fans knew the quality Reijnders was bringing, but his instant impact has surprised many Premier League fans. Deployed in a similar role to Gundogan, Reijnders is a mobile midfielder who seamlessly connects defence to attack. Ødegaard on his day would have made the combined XI, but is coming off the back of a comparatively weaker season by his lofty standards.
Right Wing: Bukayo Saka
Currently injured, Saka hasn’t played for Arsenal since suffering a hamstring injury against Leeds in August. Noni Madueke is proving to be an able deputy, but there isn’t a winger in the world that Arteta would rather have than Saka in that right wing position. Despite not even turning 25 yet, Saka has long been Arsenal’s focal point in attack with a healthy contribution of goals and assists. Bernardo Silva is often deployed as a right midfielder for City, but his impact is starting to fade and doesn’t challenge Saka for this slot in the combined XI.
Striker: Erling Haaland
For the first time in years, Arsenal have a genuine contender for the striker role in this combined XI, but Haaland is still above Gyökeres. The Norwegian continues to rewrite the goalscoring records, having become the fastest player to hit 50 Champions League goals with his strike against Napoli. Gyökeres is showing himself as the striker Arsenal have been missing, but needs to deliver at least 25 league goals this season to start rivalling Haaland.
Left Wing: Eberechi Eze
The most contentious position in the combined XI. Jeremy Doku was fantastic against Manchester United, but hasn’t consistently delivered. Omar Marmoush has also been deployed on the left, without finding the back of the net this season. For Arsenal, Gabriel Martinelli has long been the left winger of choice, but has consistently been overshadowed by Saka on the right. We’re going for Eze, albeit in his weaker left-wing role. Eze has consistently performed as one of the most creative and impactful attacking midfielders for seasons for Crystal Palace and now Arsenal.
