Manchester City and Arsenal meet in a massive Premier League showdown at the Etihad this afternoon, with the title on the line.
The top two go head-to-head in a potentially decisive clash. Arsenal have led from the front for most of the season, but a recent mini-wobble has allowed City to close the gap. A win for Pep Guardiola’s team would see them move within three points of the Gunners, with a game in hand.
Ahead of this major clash, we created a Manchester City and Arsenal Combined XI.
Goalkeeper: Gianluigi Donnarumma
A tough selection between, arguably, the two best goalkeepers in the Premier League right now. David Raya has been outstanding for Arsenal, but it’s Donnarumma that gets the nod. The Italian is a man-mountain and has brought big-game presence to the Blues.
Right-back: Jurrien Timber – Arsenal
Jurrien Timber slots in at right-back. Manchester City lack a recognised right-back, with Mateus Nunes converted this season. Arsenal, in contrast, have two top options, but it’s Timber who has become a mainstay in the best backline in the Premier League.
Centre-back: William Saliba – Arsenal
A smooth operator. William Salbia has all the attributes a manager would want in a modern centre-back, with poise in possession, elite anticipation, and rapid recovery speed. The Frenchman has the potential to become the world’s top central defender.
Centre-back: Gabriel – Arsenal
Manchester City will be wary of Gabriel’s threat, with the big Brazilian an unmissable presence in both boxes. He’s even entered Player of the Season conversations, such has been his impact on Arsenal’s season.
Left-back: Nico O’Reilly – Manchester City
The hero of the Carabao Cup final between the teams last month, O’Reilly, has been a revelation this season. Either at left-back or in midfield, he’s become a marauding monster capable of impacting any game.
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.
Midfield: Declan Rice – Arsenal
This afternoon shapes as a massive contest for Declan Rice. The England midfielder has become the heartbeat of the Arsenal team and a leader. The Gunners need Rice to prove that he can take hold of games when the pressure is on.
Right-wing: Bukayo Saka – Arsenal
Bukayo Saka’s season has not been without criticism after a drop in level, but there’s no disputing he remains a top talent. Few full-backs, anywhere, can live with Saka when he’s at his best. He boast 27 career goal contributions against “Big Six” opponents.
Left-wing: Rayan Cherki – Manchester City
What an addition to the Premier League. Cherki has been a sensational watch this season with care-free showboating and cutting-edge quality. He’s a maverick, and the game needs more of them.
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 eight times in 19 games. He’s hit 15 for the season in the Premier League – only two players have more.
Forward: Erling Haaland – Manchester City
Erling Haaland hasn’t fired on all cylinders in the Premier League since the turn of the year, but still leads the Golden Boot race with 22 goals. A hat-trick against Liverpool in the FA Cup was an ominous sign for Arsenal, that he’s finding form again.
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