MY ACCOUNT
Premier League leaders Arsenal host third-place Manchester United on Sunday in a potentially pivotal match in the title race.
The Gunners will be looking to protect their advantage at the top of the table, while United could cut the gap between themselves and the North Londoners to five points with a victory.
Ahead of the latest battle between two of the English top flight’s fiercest enemies, we have picked out a combined XI from the two sides.
Goalkeeper: Aaron Ramsdale (Arsenal)
David de Gea is one of the best goalkeepers in Premier League history and is still performing at a high level at 32 years old.
Yet the decision to opt for Aaron Ramsdale is a relatively simple one. The Arsenal keeper has only conceded 14 league goals all season and his distribution skills make him a vital cog in Mikel Arteta’s team.
Right-back: Ben White (Arsenal)
This is an area where United could do with an upgrade, with Diogo Dalot competing with Aaron Wan-Bissaka.
Arsenal were already strong in the position with Takehiro Tomiyasu available before central defender Ben White was shifted over to the right. Combining defensive solidity with ability on the ball, the £50million signing is our choice at right-back.
Centre-back: Raphael Varane (Manchester United)
Both teams have struggled with this position in recent years but now look strong. In his second season at Old Trafford, Raphael Varane is playing his best football alongside Lisandro Martinez.
Varane was instrumental in helping France make the World Cup final and has emerged as the leader of United’s defence.
Centre-back: William Saliba (Arsenal)
There were question marks over William Saliba’s attitude and desire to play for Arsenal prior to his summer return from a loan spell at Marseille.
Such worries were soon cast aside, with the 21-year-old proving to be a revelation this season. Possessing defensive nous alongside technical ability, he has quickly become the senior partner alongside Gabriel.
Left-back: Luke Shaw (Manchester United)
Luke Shaw faced stiff opposition against two fine left-backs from Arsenal in the form of Oleksandr Zinchenko and Kieran Tierney.
After a shaky start under Erik ten Hag, Shaw has embedded himself in the manager’s plans. He has even been trusted as a central defender in crucial matches but his attacking ability makes left-back his best role.
Central midfield: Casemiro (Manchester United)
For the defensive role in central midfield, we had a straight fight between Casemiro and Arsenal’s Thomas Partey. Ultimately, the Brazilian has just about made the greater impression this season.
Casemiro is arguably the best midfielder that United have signed since Michael Carrick and he has been crucial to their improvement. Arsenal will be delighted that he is suspended for this match.
Central midfield: Martin Odegaard (Arsenal)
After his very early transfer to Real Madrid aged 16 and a number of subsequent loans, Martin Odegaard has finally found a home at the Emirates.
The much-travelled Norwegian’s passing ability has never been in doubt and he is now displaying a cutting edge. He has scored eight goals in 17 Premier League games this season, which included last weekend’s long-range strike at Tottenham.
Central midfield: Christian Eriksen (Manchester United)
For the final midfield slot there was a lot of competition, with Granit Xhaka enjoying an unlikely redemption story at Arsenal and Bruno Fernandes rediscovering his best form.
Christian Eriksen has been every bit as crucial as Casemiro in United’s rise. Playing much deeper than we were used to seeing him at Spurs, the Dane has added understated class to Ten Hag’s team.
Right wing: Bukayo Saka (Arsenal)
This is one of the most straightforward choices in the side, with Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka excelling in a position that is still something of a problem at the Red Devils, despite the signing of Antony.
The England winger had a very productive World Cup and has scored six goals and assisted seven for the Gunners in 18 Premier League appearances this term.
Left wing: Marcus Rashford (Manchester United)
Though Marcus Rashford was up against Arsenal’s Gabriel Martinelli for the spot on the left, this is another relatively easy decision, given the form of the Three Lions ace.
He has scored 16 goals across all competitions this season, which includes eight goals in as many appearances since the season resumed after the World Cup.
Centre forward: Gabriel Jesus (Arsenal)
We could have picked Rashford as a striker to include Martinelli but as we are picking players in the positions where they generally play, there was an obvious choice at centre forward.
Gabriel Jesus will not be available after picking up a knee injury at the World Cup, yet his industry and skill were a vital reason for Arsenal’s flying start.
Do you agree with our line-up? Let us know by tweeting @LiveScore.
