Manchester City vs. Arsenal: Picking a Combined XI
In their next Premier League game, Arsenal and Manchester City face off in what is one of the biggest matches of the season for both sides. Arsene Wenger and Pep Guardiola will be determined to emerge victorious in their first Premier League meeting, and it should be a hugely entertaining encounter between two of the most talented squads in the country.
However, what if those squads were combined? What XI would you pick if all of the City and Arsenal players were available to you?
The rules are simple: You can use any current player from either club, irrespective of injury. However, they must be lined up in a recognisable formation.
Our team is set in the 4-2-3-1 system that is regularly used by Arsenal and occasionally by City too. Let us know what you think, and your alternative lineup, in the comments below.
Goalkeeper: Petr Cech
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Thus far, Pep Guardiola's decision to dispense with Joe Hart to bring in Claudio Bravo appears a questionable one. While Bravo is a more obvious fit for Guardiola's technical style of play, the Chilean has struggled to cope with the demands of the Premier League.
Petr Cech, by contrast, has arguably been the division's dominant goalkeeper over the past decade. He has won Premier League titles, FA Cups and the Champions League, and although he is older than Bravo, he is showing little sign of slowing.
This team might not be able to play out from the back as much with Cech in goal, but they'll be much more defensively secure.
Right-Back: Hector Bellerin
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Even Manchester City must believe Hector Bellerin to be the best right-back out of the two squads—according to David Hytner of the Guardian, they spent much of the summer trying to sign him:
"The overtures started around February time, when Manchester City had announced that Pep Guardiola would become their new manager at the end of the season. Guardiola wanted a full-back with searing pace and attacking instincts, somebody to build the play out from the back, and he wanted Hector Bellerin of Arsenal.
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It's easy to see why. Bellerin's blistering pace and skill makes him a constant attacking outlet on the right-hand side. His speed also helps him to recover from any temporary lapse in concentration.
Centre-Back: Laurent Koscielny
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Arsenal's stand-in skipper is an easy pick. Since arriving from Lorient, Laurent Koscielny has developed into one of the finest centre-halves around. He is quick, aggressive and fearless. He's also an excellent footballer, able to instigate attacking moves by dribbling into midfield.
Koscielny also has a handy habit of contributing vital goals to the cause. His aerial ability and nose for goal makes him a constant menace at set pieces.
Centre-Back: Shkodran Mustafi
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When fit, Vincent Kompany remains one of the best defenders in European football. However, he is simply injured far too often to be relied upon. With a fully fledged German international available to select in Shkodran Mustafi, Kompany doesn't quite make the cut.
What's more, Mustafi and Koscielny already have a burgeoning understanding. The German combines athletic and technical attributes to make a complete centre-half.
What's been particularly impressive about him since his return to the Premier League is the accuracy of his passing from the back. His ability to find the team's creative players early will be essential in this team.
Left-Back: Aleksandar Kolarov
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Nacho Monreal is a very steady full-back for Arsenal, but Aleksandar Kolarov's capacity to produce the spectacular gives him the edge. He's a sturdy enough defender, but it's going forward where the Serbian really comes to life.
His power and crossing ability mean that he effectively operates as an extra winger. With Kolarov and Hector Bellerin in the full-back positions, this XI would be difficult to contain.
Kolarov is also a renowned set-piece specialist, which helps him earn a place in this team. Like Koscielny, he could be relied upon to contribute a few goals from defence.
Defensive Midfield: Fernandinho
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With Kolarov and Bellerin both bombing forward from the full-back positions, this team will need a midfielder who's prepared to drop in and protect the back four.
Fernandinho is ideal for that role. This season, he's even played as a centre-half for City, so he'll have no qualms about filling in when required. However, the Brazilian is more than just a destroyer—he's also a capable ball player who can join in at the attacking end of the pitch, too.
Defensive Midfield: Santi Cazorla
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Arsenal just aren't Arsenal without Santi Cazorla, and the chances are he'd become instrumental in this team, too.
Cazorla's ability to beat men and play passes in a congested midfield is second to none. His presence in the XI would allow this team to turn defence into attack in an instant.
Right Wing: Kevin De Bruyne
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These two teams have so much attacking talent at their disposal that the challenge becomes more about how you fit them all in.
Belgian playmaker Kevin De Bruyne is at his best in a central role, but he is also comfortable on either flank. In this team, he'd be forced to start from the wing but be granted licence to drift infield when he wanted.
De Bruyne combines creativity with goal threat and would be a key component on this team's attacking interplay.
No. 10: Mesut Ozil
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Rather than debate which of De Bruyne or Mesut Ozil ought to be in the side, we've simply selected both.
Ozil is enjoying a fantastic 2016/17, having added goals to his already remarkable game. With the centre-forward he'll have ahead of him in this XI, he'll be even more dangerous.
Left Wing: Alexis Sanchez
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Chilean sensation Alexis Sanchez has been a revelation as Arsenal's centre-forward this season. However, in this team, he'll be forced to return to his previous position stationed on the left flank.
No matter—his energy and enthusiasm will ensure he gets involved in the game, whatever his starting position.
The prospect of him combining with both De Bruyne and Ozil behind the centre-forward is mouthwatering—and his partnership with Kolarov on the left-hand side would give any right-back nightmares.
Centre-Forward: Sergio Aguero
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As good as Sanchez has been as the spearhead of the Arsenal attack, there's no looking past the master goalscorer Sergio Aguero.
With Ozil behind him, Aguero's threat would only increase. This man is capable of winning matches on his own. With a team like this supporting him, who knows what he could achieve?
What do you think? Let us know your best combined XIs below.
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