Arsenal v Man City Combined XI: 7-4 Split In Favour of This Team

Ahead of this Sunday’s blockbuster clash, we’ve crafted a combined Arsenal and Manchester City XI, showcasing the finest talent from both squads. To create the strongest possible line-up, we’ve opted for a 4-2-3-1 formation, ignoring current injury concerns for this selection.

The best XI from these two sides left us with a 7-4 split of players in favour of Arsenal.

Arsenal & Man City Combined XI

Goalkeeper

Goalkeeper: Gianluigi Donnarumma (Man City)

With Ederson moving on and James Trafford making a shaky start, City didn’t mess about and brought in one of the world’s top shot-stoppers. Pep Guardiola showed his faith in Donnarumma by putting him straight into the Manchester derby, and he repaid him with a superb save from Bryan Mbeumo.

Full-Backs

Right-Back: Jurrien Timber (Arsenal)

The Netherlands international never lacks aggression in defensive situations and is very comfortable on the ball, either when playing out from the back or getting forward.

Left-Back: Riccardo Calafiori (Arsenal)

Having been tipped for big things at an early age, the Italian took longer than expected to fulfil his potential, but has really blossomed since settling in at Arsenal. Always eager to help out in attacking moves, he can pop up with the odd crucial goal.

Centre Backs

Centre-Half: William Saliba (Arsenal)

The Frenchman was given time to develop by the Gunners and has rewarded that patience by maturing into the complete central defender, possessing pace, strength, tough tackling and great composure under pressure.

Centre-Half: Gabriel Magalhaes (Arsenal)

We considered playing Josko Gvardiol here or at left-back, but ended up sticking with an all-Arsenal back four. Brazil ace Gabriel has similar attributes to Saliba and is a real threat in the air at set-pieces, already scoring 17 Premier League goals.

Midfield

Defensive Midfielder: Rodri (Man City)

The 2024 Ballon d’Or winner has no equal when it comes to this position. Rodri has the size, physical strength and tactical awareness to control proceedings in the middle of the park, plus his passing skills are not to be underestimated.

Central Midfielder: Declan Rice (Arsenal)

Rice has fully justified his club record transfer fee of £100million by bringing rock-like stability to Arsenal’s engine room. He has an outstanding temperament, the heart of a lion, exceptional stamina and tackling ability, plus a fair long-range shot from free-kicks.

Attacking Midfielder: Martin Odegaard (Arsenal)

Kevin De Bruyne would have been a shoo-in here, but his summer departure has opened the door for Odegaard. Another good character, the Arsenal captain has great vision and a strong work ethic, with most of the Gunners’ forward play going through him.

Wingers

Right Wing: Bukayo Saka (Arsenal)

Hailed for his dribbling and creative play, Saka is a manager’s dream due to his high work rate and willingness to take on any challenge. Twice voted England’s player of the year and just a thoroughly likeable individual.

Left Wing: Phil Foden (Man City)

This isn’t his preferred position, as Foden would rather be cutting in from the right, but he is left-footed and is just too talented not to find a place for him in our team. The 25-year-old has suffered dips in form but is a big-game player capable of scoring crucial goals.

Centre Forward

Centre-Forward: Erling Haaland (Man City)

How can you argue with the statistics? Two Premier League Golden Boot gongs and a whole host of scoring records broken since joining City have set Haaland apart as a unique talent, with his pace and power capable of terrorising any defence.

Combined XI Breakdown

Arsenal v Man City Combined XI Breakdown

Breakdown by Club

Arsenal: 7 players (Timber, Calafiori, Saliba, Gabriel, Rice, Saka, Odegaard)

Manchester City: 4 players (Donnarumma, Rodri, Foden, Haaland)

Breakdown by Nation

England: 3 players (Rice, Saka, Foden)

Norway: 2 players (Odegaard, Haaland)

Brazil: 1 player (Gabriel)

France: 1 player (Saliba)

Italy: 1 player (Donnarumma)

Netherlands: 1 player (Timber)

Spain: 1 player (Rodri)

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