Arsenal vs Manchester City: Combined line-up featuring 4 Gunners and 7 Cityzens
In a blockbuster first weekend of the Premier League 2018/19, Arsenal face off with defending champions Manchester City at the Emirates Stadium. While this game might be the opener for both teams, it will make us come to a few conclusions as to how much Arsenal have come forward after the pre-season under new manager Unai Emery.
For City, it will be the case of doing things the right way as they have been doing since the start of last season. Pep Guardiola is a serial winner, so he won’t let his players dip or feel complacent this season.
Hence, it will be a fascinating game where the home team will be eager to showcase their worth, and champions will try to assert their authority starting from the first game.
Here’s the combined lineup featuring players from both teams:
The Combined XI
Formation – 4-3-3
Ederson (GK) (Man City)
The Brazilian has been a revelation since his arrival at Manchester City. His passing from the back, combined with some unreal saves makes him one of the best in the Premier League. Arsenal’s new goalkeeper Bernd Leno might have to travel several miles to catch Ederson in this race.
Kyle Walker (RB) (Man City)
After a fantastic World Cup, Walker would be raring to perform in the Premier League. He has enough attributes to be ahead of Hector Bellerin on any given day.
John Stones (CB) (Man City)
Stones is a perfect fit for Guardiola’s ball-playing system, and so the Englishman just needs to improve his positional awareness to become one of the best.
Sokratis (CB) (Arsenal)
The newly acquired centre-back from Dortmund, Sokratis will add reliance and robustness at the back for Arsenal.
Benjamin Mendy (LB) (Man City)
After a disappointing season due to a long-term injury, Mendy will be geared up to play well this season and enhance his reputation.
Fernandinho (CDM) (Man City)
Fernandinho is a perfect shield for the back-line, winning second balls and being positionally aware of where to cover spaces to stop counter-attacks.
Aaron Ramsey (LCM) (Arsenal)
Ramsey is a perfect exponent of making late runs into the box from midfield and also press higher up the pitch to help the forwards.
Bernardo Silva (RCM) (Man City)
The Portuguese played in this position against Chelsea in the Community Shield and thrived massively. He has the quality on the ball and is sharp enough to make space for himself in tight situations.
Mesut Ozil (RW) (Arsenal)
Ozil will be motivated to play well for Arsenal after retiring from international football due to various unfortunate reasons.
Sergio Aguero (ST) (Man City)
The goal-machine Aguero never stops, and the Argentine reminded everyone of his qualities by bagging a brace against Chelsea last Sunday.
Read More: Pre-season promise shows why Manchester City fans should be genuinely excited about the new season
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (LW) (Arsenal)
The former Dortmund striker is expected to be the lead man for Arsenal this season. He has been in terrific form in pre-season and the fans will be eager for him to have a good start in the league.