Alan Shearer's combined Man City and Arsenal XI makes clear who has the better squad
Manchester City host Arsenal on Sunday for a game which could have huge ramifications on this year's Premier League title race, as Pep Guardiola and and Mikel Arteta's sides go head-to-head
by Nathan Ridley · The MirrorJust four Arsenal players made into Premier League legend Alan Shearer's combined XI between the Gunners and Manchester City.
Reigning champions City host Arsenal on Sunday, having pipped them to the title in the past two seasons. But Mikel Arteta's men want to make a statement, with the Gunners' goalless draw away to City in April proving fatal in their pursuit of the title last term.
Shearer, though, still reckons that Pep Guardiola boasts the stronger squad, naming seven City players in a combined XI from both teams. The former Newcastle captain and striker firstly named Ederson as his goalkeeper over Arsenal shot-stopper David Raya.
Raya, 29, was the hero on Tuesday as the Gunners drew 0-0 in the Champions League against Atalanta, saving a penalty and then sensationally stopping the follow-up. Arsenal do, however, dominate Shearer's picks in defence, with Kyle Walker being the only representative from City, pipping Ben White for the right-back berth.
Arteta's trusted centre-back pairing, William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes, also got the nod over the likes of Ruben Dias, John Stones, Manuel Akanji and Nathan Ake. Jurrien Timber was named at left-back, beating out Josko Gvardiol.
In midfield, it was all City. Guardiola's trio of Kevin De Bruyne, Rodri and Bernardo Silva were named ahead of Martin Odegaard, Declan Rice and Thomas Partey.
As for the forward line, Bukayo Saka was Arsenal's sole representative, claiming the right-wing spot. Erling Haaland and Phil Foden then completed Shearer's XI, yet the ex-striker sees the sides cancelling each other out at the Etihad.
Your turn! Who has the better squad - Arsenal or Man City? Join the debate in the comments section
"I am going for a draw in this one," Shearer told Betfair. "It's a long week with both teams having played in the Champions League as well, so a draw for both teams isn't a bad result, even though Man City are at home."
Despite both teams tussling for the league title since the 2022-23 season and expected to do so again this term, Guardiola doesn't see this Sunday's match as a decider. "In terms of table, it's not so important," the City boss told a pre-match press conference.
"What will be important is when we go to London in the second part of the season. It's not a motivation that we have to win to be five points ahead after five fixtures! It's to do a good game."
Shearer's Man City and Arsenal combined XI: Ederson; Walker, Saliba, Gabriel, Timber; Silva, Rodri, De Bruyne; Saka, Haaland, Foden.
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