Ahead of Sunday’s Carabao Cup Final, it’s time for us to have some fun with the squads of the two finalists. We take a look at combined XI of Manchester City vs Arsenal.
GK: Ederson
The Brazilian has announced himself in his debut season as one of the best keepers in England. Ederson has kept 11 clean sheets in 27 games this season, averaging 1.48 saves per game. In contrast, Petr Cech has kept two fewer clean sheets.
RB: Kyle Walker
Before arriving at the Etihad, Kyle Walker was just seen as a fast right-back, now he’s become a complete defender and an integral component of City’s build-up play.
CB: Aymeric Laporte
Since signing in January, Laporte has become an automatic starter ahead of John Stones and seeing as Vincent Kompany is continuously injured, the Frenchman has had ample playing time.
CB: Nicolás Otamendi
At first, the Argentinean wasn’t rated highly, now he’s considered amongst the league’s elites. Under Pep Guardiola, he’s evolved into a resolute defender that’s improved significantly on his positioning & man-marking. Laurent Koscielny may have been world class in the past, but in today’s age, Nicolás Otamendi is a more reliable option to have.
LB: Nacho Monreal
The Spaniard has slowly but surely become the most trusted player for Arsenal. In times of peril, Monreal has stood out as a leader amongst a clueless bunch. Nacho’s contributions down the left help Arsenal break down teams in the final third. Based on experience alone, he’ll get the nod ahead of Benjamin Mendy who has unfortunately not featured much this season.
CDM: Fernandinho
This season, Granit Xhaka couldn’t even think of lacing Fernandinho’s boots. The Brazilian has averaged 1.9 tackles, 1.5 interceptions and 1.9 clearances per game, these contributions have facilitated Manchester City’s offensive style of play.
CM: İlkay Gündoğan
İlkay Gündoğan is the perfect example of a complete midfielder that can excel in any role. In defence, he’s disciplined, in attack he’s well calculated. The man executes each one of Pep’s instructions down to a tee, thus establishing superiority in the middle. Aaron Ramsey & Jack Wilshere could both learn a lot from the German’s performances.
RAM: Kevin De Bruyne
The Belgian has been in scintillating form this season showing José Mourinho that under a good coach, he can thrive. In 27 PL apps, the 26-year-old has scored 7 goals, provided 14 assists and created on average 3.1 chances a game.
CAM: David Silva
When David Silva’s on the pitch, things seemingly flow more fluidly. He literally swans around the pitch, bringing others into the game, forcing them to make runs they hadn’t even thought of.
LAM: Mesut Özil
As one of the most creative players on the planet, Mesut Özil would walk into any starting XI in the world. Such is his creative influence; he can operate in most roles across the front four positions. His in-game intelligence is exceptional, and at the Emirates, his talents have been wasted. Perhaps we’d see the best of the German in a Pep Guardiola team.
ST: Sergio Agüero
The Premier League’s 2nd greatest ever striker has become somewhat of an icon at the Etihad, establishing himself as the club’s all-time top goal scorer. Pierre Emerick-Aubameyang may be the more exciting of the two, but Agüero’s in the box prowess puts him in a league of his own.
Substitutes: Cech, Bellerín, Koscielny, Wilshere, Sterling, Aubameyang.
