EPL 2017/18: Manchester City vs Arsenal - Combined XI

In one of two big games on a Super Sunday in the Premier League, league leaders Manchester City play host to a resurgent Arsenal outfit. Pep Guardiola's men have enjoyed a flying start to the season, winning nine of their ten league games, while Arsene Wenger's outfit have struggled to pick up points away from the Emirates Stadium.

Thus, there are no points for guessing as to who the favourites for this game are as the Citizens are expected to run riot over the Gunners. However, the Arsenal faithful will be hoping for Wenger to come up with a masterclass like he did against Chelsea that could help curtail the Manchester side.

With both teams possessing an array of talented players, we take into account both their stars to form a combined eleven (4-1-4-1). The players will be judged on the performances of the current league season only.

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#1 Goalkeeper: Ederson (Manchester City)

Ederson already seems to be a smart summer acquisition by Pep Guardiola.

In a straight fight between Ederson and Petr Cech, it is the former that holds the upper hand. The Manchester City number one, unlike his predecessor Claudio Bravo, has hit the ground running in the Premier League. Cech, on the other hand, has looked far from assured in the Arsenal goal and already seems like a shadow of his old self.

#2 Defence

Kyle Walker has silenced his doubters this season

Right back: Kyle Walker (Manchester City)

Wenger tinkered with the right-back position at the start of the season by giving the now Liverpool player Alex Oxlade Chamberlain and Hector Bellerin a run to impress on the right side of defence. While the former did not shine in that position, and the latter still to get his head in this season, Kyle Walker is our obvious choice at right back. The Englishman has been a mainstay since his £50 million move from Spurs in the summer, and due to his performances, nobody is discussing his price tag anymore.

Centre backs: Laurent Koscielny (Arsenal) and Nacho Monreal (Arsenal)

Laurent Koscielny is the first Arsenal player to make this eleven. The Gunners have looked slightly assured at the back of late, and it is due to the presence of the Frenchman at the heart of defence. He has played in all but three of Arsenal's games this season and has stepped in to lead the team well in the absence of Per Mertesacker.

His partner at centre back will be his teammate Nacho Monreal. While a case can be made for either one of John Stones and Nicolas Otamendi, Monreal has been extremely consistent in defence for the North London outfit. Apart from his under-appreciated defensive displays, he has also contributed in the final third - racking up two goals.

Left back: Sead Kolasinac (Arsenal)

Sead Kolasinac may be the answer to Arsenal's longstanding left-back woes

Arrived on a free transfer at Arsenal this summer and he is slowly becoming one of Wenger's most important players. He has been likened to a tree by his coaches back in Germany, and he has lived up to his reputation of being a hard man that opposition attackers hate to play against.

#3 Midfield

The imperious duo has wreaked havoc in opposition defences this season

Defensive midfielder: Fernandinho (Manchester City)

Pep Guardiola's known to fancy midfielders and he may have found just the perfect holding midfielder in Fernandinho. The Brazilian understands Guardiola's philosophies perfectly and his performances on the pitch showcase just how influential he can be to City's overall game. He does a phenomenal job and shielding the back line and also plays a crucial role in the build-up play.

Attacking midfielders: Kevin de Bruyne (Manchester City) and David Silva (Manchester City)

De Bruyne has arguably been the Premier League's best player this season. While his statistics may not back the claim, he has played in a slightly deeper attacking role - diminishing his impact in and around the penalty area. Regardless of that, he is still leading the assists chart and seems to make City tick every time they're posing an attack.

Playing just alongside him has been David Silva, who at 31, is playing like a teenager without any pressure on his head. The Spaniard has been ever so composed with the ball at his feet, and his movement on and off the ball, especially to bring in others into the game has been nothing short of exemplary.

#4 Forward

In six starts this season, Sane has already scored six goals and provided another five assists

Right wing: Raheem Sterling (Manchester City)

Sterling is enjoying his best season at Manchester City under Pep Guardiola. The former Bayern Munich and Barcelona manager has given the England international the confidence to express himself, and he has delivered with staggering figures by finding the back of the net on seven occasions and providing another two assists.

Left wing: Leroy Sane (Manchester City)

Another player who is enjoying life at the moment down the City wings is German wing sensation Leroy Sane. Not utilised ideally by Guardiola last season, Sane is playing exceptionally well this time around in his preferred left wing position. Sane has been involved in the most number of goals compared to any other player in the 2017/18 Premier League campaign.

Forward: Sergio Aguero (Manchester City)

Sergio Aguero recently broke the record to become Manchester City's highest ever goal scorer. Since day one, the Argentine has hit the ground running at the Etihad Stadium, and is one of their most potent attackers this season as well. In seven matches played he has scored as many goals and has also provided a remarkable three assists to cap it all off.