Combined XI: Manchester City v Arsenal (Current)

Ahead of this weekend's pivotal meeting between Manchester City and Arsenal in the Premier League, we have constructed a combined XI featuring players from both sides.

Following an intense title showdown in the 2023/24 Premier League season, Man City and Arsenal's first encounter of this term is eagerly anticipated and looks set to be a fascinating affair.

With both sides yet to lose in all competitions thus far, the Citizens find themselves two points ahead of the Gunners. A win for Arsenal would take Mikel Arteta's side top of the league, with a favourable run of fixtures ahead of them.

As two of the top sides in the country, Manchester City and Arsenal both boast squads littered with quality, making the task of putting together a combined XI a challenging one.

This is the selection we have plumped for, lining up in a 4-3-3 formation:

GK: David Raya

After claiming the Golden Glove last season with 16 clean sheets, the Spanish International has started the campaign in fine shape.

Since replacing Aaron Ramsdale as Arsenal's number one goalkeeper, Raya has become a crucial component in the side. Already we have seen him keep four clean sheets out of a possible five in all competitions.

Raya is not only a terrific shot-stopper with impressive athleticism, but he also possesses an impressive calmness with the ball at his feet. Of course, this is much needed in a possession-oriented Arteta side.

RB: Ben White

Despite having turned down the opportunity to represent the England national team, when it comes to club football, White has been exceptional since transforming into a right back.

After starting his Arsenal career as a central defender, the former Brighton defender has become a mainstay in the team at right-back, playing 37 games in the 2023/24 season, and 38 games the season prior.

In a modern game where the role of a right-back seems to be changing, White has reminded us of the importance of being a strong defender first. He offers an incredibly tough challenge to the left sided attacker of any Premier League side.

In saying this, the full-back recorded his highest scoring campaign last season, netting four times, displaying his well rounded ability.

CB: William Saliba

The imperious William Saliba has hit the Premier League by storm since his first team debut for Arsenal away at Crystal Palace in the 2023/24 season.

The Frenchman has been a transformative addition to the Arsenal defence and has rightly been hailed by many as one of the best central defenders in Europe.

Saliba has recorded the third highest tackle rate amongst all Premier League defenders this season, with 16 tackles in four matches.

The 23-year-old's physical presence and expertise on the ball saw him walk into the 2023/24 PFA Premier League team of the year. Do not be surprised if that is one of many accolades the colossus central defender picks up in the coming years.

CB: Gabriel Magalhães

To complete the Arsenal centre-back pairing is the former Lille defender Gabriel Magalhães.

Following Gabriel's winner away at North London rivals Tottenham, the imposing defender heads into Sunday's game in incredible form.

While early question marks loomed over Gabriel's compatibility with the Premier League, he has certainly put an end to any doubts. Like his centre-back partner Saliba, the Brazilian is regarded by many as one of the world's top central defenders.

His aerial ability both in defensive battles and in the opposition's box is what sets him apart from the rest, along with his aggression in one v one scenarios.

LB: Josko Gvardiol

Since arriving to the Premier League for a fee of £77.6 million in the summer of 2023, the Croatian has showcased his ability to adapt in a Pep Guardiola system which has seen him play the majority of his games as a left-back.

While a number of people knew of his defensive ability from his RB Leipzig days, people may not have been as aware about his ability to offer substantial attacking threat. He scored four goals and recorded two assists in his debut campaign for the City.

He is tasked with minimising Bukayo Saka's impact in this weekend's affair, a job he carried out well in the pair's last meeting in March 2024.

CM: Rodri

At the base of the Man City midfield, Rodri is imperative to the success of both his club and country.

After featuring just once off the bench in the opening four Premier League fixtures, we expect the Euros winner to slot straight into Guardiola's side against Arsenal.

A leading contender to win the 2024 Ballon d'Or, the Spaniard has had a remarkable few seasons for the Citizens, losing no Premier League match in the 2023/24 campaign.

CM: Kevin De Bruyne

Recording an exceptional 14 goal involvements in an injury stricken 18-game season last term, Kevin De Bruyne continued to bolster his claim to represent the best Premier League midfielder of all time.

While the Belgian international is a huge doubt for Sunday's clash, it would be rude to ignore his phenomenal record against Arsenal, with that alone almost enough to earn him a place in this combined XI.

13 goals in 21 appearances against the Gunners leaves Arteta thankful of De Bruyne's absence, while it leaves Guardiola with a decision to make on who replaces the midfielder, with the Belgian having started all four league games so far this season.

CM: Martin Ødegaard

The ex-Real Madrid youngster acts as the advanced playmaker in Arsenal's well-oiled machine under Mikel Arteta, with the Norwegian one of the key difference makers in the final third for the Gunners.

After contributing to 18 goals in the 2023/24 Premier League season, the Arsenal captain is not taken for granted by the red side of North London.

The technically gifted number eight is bidding to take Arsenal to their 14th league title. However, he will not be on hand to contribute this Sunday due to an unfortunate ankle injury picked up on international duty.

RW: Bukayo Saka

Given the impact he has made in Arsenal's first team since breaking through in the 2019/20 season, it can be easy to forget that Bukayo Saka remains only 23 years old.

Now a crucial figure for both club and country, Saka is one of the most exciting players to watch in the Premier League, registering 16 goals and nine assists in the league last season.

His lightning pace and terrific football brain has made unlocking opposition defences look easy for the winger for club and country, and Saka is now regarded as one of the best wingers in Europe.

ST: Erling Haaland

Perhaps the easiest selection in the team. Erling Haaland's insane ability to break record after record means he walks straight into this XI.

With nine goals in the opening four Premier League games, the striker has more goals than every other team in the division this season. Simply astonishing.

His goal-scoring ability is obvious, but what has gone under the radar this season is the level of goal he is scoring. He seems to have mastered the art of a chip over the goalkeeper, with his unpredictable style of finishes asking even more questions of Premier League goalkeepers.

LW: Phil Foden

While naturally the Stockport-born sensation is preferred in a more central role, Phil Foden played the majority of games at Euro 2024 for England off the left hand side, and for that reason he makes this team at left wing.

An unbelievable 19 goals saw Foden have his best goal-scoring season to date in the 2023/24 term. Perhaps the most memorable of the bunch was a remarkable left footed effort against Manchester United from outside the box.

After a slow start to this season following a lengthy Euros campaign in which England reached the final, Foden will be hoping to kick his season into life in this weekend's battle against Arsenal.