We’ve already received one fine instalment of Premier League action this week but another is upon us before we’ve even had time to catch our breath.
Indeed, the weekend is filled with a batch of tasty top flight match-ups, not least including our Fixture in Focus – Arsenal and Manchester City’s title clash at the Etihad Stadium.
The two sides meet in the hope of enhancing their title ambitions by claiming a win over a direct divisional rival and based on current form, there really isn’t much to choose between the north Londoners and the North West outfit.
But what if Pep Guardiola’s boys and Arsene Wenger’s squad decided to join forces? What would their ultimate starting XI look like?
Well, FootballFanCast are hoping to find an answer with this select XI, combining the best talents both clubs have to offer.
Do you agree with our picks? Let us know in the comments section below!
GK – Petr Cech
Whilst Claudio Bravo has begun his Manchester City career in pretty much the most calamitous fashion possible, Petr Cech has been an eternal beacon of reliability since arriving in the Premier League over a decade ago.
The former Czech international has been as consistent as ever this season, recording 34 saves and four clean sheets in 16 Premier League appearances, making the goalkeeping berth in this select XI a relatively straight-forward choice.
RB: Hector Bellerin
One again, a relatively simple pick in the Gunners’ favour. Reports from October claiming Pep Guardiola wants to prise Hector Bellerin away from the Emirates Stadium tell all about the juxtaposing situations at right-back.
Pablo Zabaleta and Bacary Sagna have struggled to convince since Guardiola’s summer arrival and are both now the wrong side of 30. In north London, meanwhile, Hector Bellerin has emerged as arguably the most exciting young full-back in the world, combining incredible pace with natural flair on the ball.
In addition to becoming a key aspect of Arsenal’s attacking play, he’d be perfect for Guardiola’s philosophy as well.
CB: Nicolas Otamendi
Some may prefer John Stones if they’re considering a centre-back for the long term but based on form so far this season, Nicolas Otamendi just about gets the nod over the England international – and Arsenal summer signing Shkodran Mustafi.
The Argentine is prone to the occasional error but has a fantastic all-action style to his game, with full-blooded challenges and aerial duels aplenty. Otamendi didn’t convince everybody last season but has steadily improved since signing from Valencia.
CB: Laurent Koscielny
One of the first names on our team-sheet, Laurent Koscielny is seen by many as the best centre-back in the Premier League. He’s quick, comfortable in possession and a real attacker of the ball, making him the ideal covering centre-half for a more sluggish partner.
The Frenchman has improved exponentially since his first season at Arsenal and is now seen as a vital cog of their starting XI – the Gunners, quite simply, aren’t the same team without him these days.
CM: Fernandinho
Fernandinho has been doing a fantastic job of anchoring an overtly offensive midfield single-handed this season and we’re asking him to perform the exact same role in this select XI, with three attacking midfielders directly ahead of him.
That leaves the Brazilian alone to provide presence around the centre circle but he’s certainly more than capable, possessing the right energy and strength and averaging 4.4 ball-winning actions per match so far this season.
RAM: Kevin de Bruyne
Many scoffed at Kevin de Bruyne’s club-record price-tag but the former Chelsea man has proved he’s worth every penny, becoming an intrinsic member of Manchester City’s regular starting line-up.
The Belgium international’s gone off the boil in recent weeks but is always involved in the Citizens’ attacking play and still boasts seven assists in the Premier League this season, the most of any player in the division.
There’s still a debate over what his best role is – on the right or in the centre. We’re hoping this right attacking midfield role will find a perfect equilibrium.
CAM: Mesut Ozil
Mesut Ozil may be famed for his attacking flair but his contribution in front of goal has been more prevalent this season, on course for his highest-scoring campaign to date with nine goals in 20 appearances across all competitions.
Both clubs have an abundance of options at No.10 but we just couldn’t overlook the German World Cup winner, who is undoubtedly one of the best in the business.
LAM: David Silva
Finishing off our attacking midfield triplet is, of course, David Silva. The Spaniard hasn’t been quite as influential this season – partly due to the change in style of play at the Etihad Stadium and partly because of Kevin de Bruyne’s increasing importance – but he’s still one of the most wonderful technicians to ever grace the Premier League.
That being said, 2.6 created chances per match this term is nothing to be sniffed at, and one can only imagine the kind of scintillating football he’d produce in tandem with the aforementioned Mesut Ozil.
ST: Alexis Sanchez
Those craving functionality would likely prefer to see Alexis Sanchez moved out wide to complete a more conventional five-man midfield. But Football FanCast simply can’t ignore the Chile international’s stunning form in his new-found striker role, carving apart the Premier League with 12 goals and five assists already this season.
Indeed, we always knew the 27-year-old was a phenomenal talent but the switch to centre-forward has seen him up his game to an even higher level.
ST: Sergio Aguero
Completing what could be an absolutely devastating strike-force is Sergio Aguero, who’ll miss Sunday’s game through suspension after that horror tackle on Chelsea’s Diego Costa.
Regardless of his recent indiscretions, the Argentine is still one of the most potent goalscorers ever witnessed in the Premier League, racking up a staggering 112 goals in 162 top-flight appearances since moving to the Etihad Stadium in summer 2011.
He’s since fired City to two Premier League titles – Pep Guardiola will be hoping for a third this season.