Arsenal vs Man City – Combined Starting XI
Which players will make the Combined XI for Arsenal and Man City ahead of this Premier League clash?
Arsenal take on Man City this weekend in a top of the table Premier League clash.
The Gunners aren’t on the greatest run of form at the moment and have slumped to defeats in four of their last five games. This accumulation of bad results has seen them slide out of the Champions League places and down the sixth place.
If Arsenal did finish in sixth, then the calls for Arsene Wenger to go would surely only grow louder. A good result against City this weekend could go a long way to helping his side climb back towards the top four.
Man City on the other hand are still flying high at the top end of the league. They’re currently in third place, just two points behind second-placed Tottenham.
City are also unbeaten in their last five and will be hoping to continue that run this weekend and, in turn, get the three points that could possibly help them climb back into second place.
There’s no doubting both sides possess some talented, top-level players and here is our SillySeason Combined XI of the two teams ahead of the match this weekend.
Formation – 4-2-2-2
- Petr Cech – Arsenal – Goalkeeper
The former Chelsea shot-stopper is our pick for the goalkeeping role. The keeper has continued to put in some decent performances in goal for the Gunners and has become their number one since his move from Stamford Bridge.
Despite being aged 34, it seemingly hasn’t slowed the Czech Republic man down. He’s made 28 appearances in all competitions for Arsene Wenger’s men so far this season and in a lot of those games, he has managed to shut the opposition out.
His shot-stopping ability is still extremely good and he’s helped his side out with a number of key saves over the course of the current campaign.
He may be nearing the end of his illustrious career but he still warrants a place in this Combined XI.
2. Nacho Monreal – Arsenal – Left-Back
In this Combined XI, we’ve gone for a complete Arsenal backline and starting us off in defence is Monreal. The 31-year old has featured 30 times for the Gunners so far this season and has become a key player in defence for them.
Despite competition from Kieran Gibbs for that full-back spot, Monreal has continued to prove that he is deserving of a starting spot in the side.
His passing ability is great and has led to two assists so far this season and when not attacking, he tracks back and ensures his team are able to defend any threats.
The Spaniard has even impressed so much that it has led to him featuring for his national side on two occasions so far this campaign and he even bagged a goal in one of those appearances!
3. Shkodran Mustafi – Arsenal – Centre-Back
The German has been a key figure in defence for Arsenal since his move to the club and his tremendous performances have led to him being picked for this Combined XI.
He isn’t one to shy away from a tackle and is pretty much always willing to put a tackle in if necessary.
This commitment and hard work in the centre of the Gunners defence has led to him becoming a mainstay in the side and he’s even been called up to his national side because of these showings.
At just 24 years of age as well, he still has plenty of time to grow and develop into an even better player.
Strong in defence and willing to attack when needed, he would be a valuable addition to this squad.
4. Laurent Koscielny – Arsenal – Centre-Back
The defender has been at the Emirates Stadium for seven years now and yet he still remains one of their most important defenders. He still plays regularly for the club, as shown by his 35 appearances for the Gunners so far this season.
The Frenchman is good at intercepting the ball in his own half and breaking up opposition attacks before they can begin to flow and is then able to help his side start attacks of their own.
Despite being 31, he, like Cech, has not slowed down in terms of his performances. He still helps Arsenal out as part of a solid defensive backline.
On his day, he can be incredible at the back and this earns him a place in the XI.
5. Hector Bellerin – Arsenal – Right-Back
Bellerin completes the Combined XI backline, becoming the fifth member of the side to come from Arsenal.
The right-back has become a massive part of the Gunner’s squad since his move and his impressive performances have led to interest from several top European clubs like Barcelona.
However, Arsenal won’t want to let the Spaniard leave in a hurry, as he has quickly established himself as one of their most important players.
The 22-year old’s bilstering pace and runs down the right-hand side of the pitch are a constant pain to the opposition and hie is a quickfire way for the Gunners’ to move the ball into key areas and start attacks.
His dribbling ability is superb but he isn’t just strong in attack, with the youngster able to track back and get rid of any threat when needed.
6. Raheem Sterling – Man City – Left Attacking Midfielder
Sterling has been revitalised under Pep Guardiola this season. The England international came into this campaign off the back of a disappointing Euros with his national side but since that disappointment, he hasn’t looked back.
He’s been extremely versatile this season so far, playing two games up front as a striker (bagging a goal in the process) and even playing as a left defensive midfielder in a game at one point.
We’ve used him as a left attacking midfielder though in this squad. He’s featured 37 times for Man City this season, bagging nine goals and snatching eight assists, which is certainly not a bad record to have.
His passing range is brilliant and he is always looking to attack and help his side out in the final third of the field. If City are in need of a goal, then Sterling will look to use his pace and dribbling ability to drive the ball past his marker and try and set up a chance for a teammate or have a shot at goal himself.
He’s looked like a threat in attack in most games this season and he’s become one of City’s best players.
7. David Silva – Man City – Central Midfielder
David Silva has been at Man City since 2010 but he continues to put in tremendous performances when given the chance to shine for his club.
Silva continues to help his side dominate games even seven years after first making the move to the Etihad Stadium and he is a valuable player that the club will no doubt miss when he eventually leaves.
Able to play in the centre of midfield or in more attacking roles, the Spaniard is always a threat from set-pieces and has an incredible passing ability that can see him unleash a huge long pass that can find its way straight to the feet of a teammate, which is a great asset to have when starting attacks.
In 35 games for the club this year, he has found the back of the net five times along the way and also managed seven assists. A great addition to the Combined XI.
8. Fernandinho – Man City – Central Midfielder
Fernandinho is a great midfield player to have. His passing range is superb and his ability to get the ball moving to help start flowing attacks for his side means he is a good weapon to have in the arsenal.
The Brazilian is also good defensively as well. When not on the attack, his ball interception ability is fantastic and he is able to stop opposition attacks before they even really begin.
He is another player who isn’t often afraid to put a tackle in and with the ability to stop attacks and then start up attacks for Man City on his own after winning the ball back, he is a key player to have in the centre of the field.
His versatility also means he can be used as a defender as well, having featured as both a left-back and right-back so far this campaign.
9. Kevin De Bruyne – Man City – Right Attacking Midfielder
Chelsea fans must be wishing they’d never let go of the talented Belgium international.
Since leaving the Blues, he has gone on to shine for Wolfsburg and now Man City too. The 25-year old is capable of producing a piece of skill, a goal or an assist out of nothing and help his side win games on his own.
He can control games in that final third of the pitch and often orchestrates his sides attacks. He is not only capable of setting up his fellow teammates but he is a clinical finisher as well and can produce a goal out of thin air too.
De Bruyne has proved that despite his hefty price-tag, he is worth every penny that the club paid for him.
10. Sergio Aguero – Man City – Striker
Sergio Aguero is lethal and there isn’t a lot more that needs to be said about the Argentina international.
Since his move to the Etihad Stadium, he has gone from strength-to-strength year on year for the club. In total, he has bagged over 100 goals in six years with Man City, with the star hitting double digits every year since his move.
This season, he has found gametime a little bit harder to come by and has therefore found himself having to watch on from the sidelines on several occasions.
There’s no denying though that he still possess incredible talent and a sensational finishing ability. Whether poaching in the six yard box or banging the ball into the top corner from outside of the area, he can do it all and he is most definitely one of the best strikers in the Premier League.
11. Alexis Sanchez – Arsenal – Striker
Finishing off the side is Alexis Sanchez.
The Chile international has been moved further forward this year and has now most of his games in the striking role for the Gunners and it is here where he has thrived like never before.
He has featured 38 times so far this season and scored 22 goals in those games, which is a brilliant record for the 28-year old.
He has really found his form after being played as a striker and he has, numerous times this year, produced some exciting and wonderful football to help drag Arsenal to a win or to help his side claim a draw.
His skills, dribbling and finishing abilities are some of the best in the league and not only is he incredible when going for goal himself but he still possesses that same brilliant technique that means he is able to see runs that not many other players can and help set up his teammates.
Do you agree or disagree with the Combined XI? Let us know what you think of the choices we made!