Arsenal vs Manchester City – Carabao Cup final Combined XI

Arsenal vs Manchester City – Carabao Cup final Combined XI Arsenal and Manchester City meet in a massive showdown at Wembley this afternoon, with the Carabao Cup the prize. The top two in the Premier League battle for the season’s first silverware. For Mikel Arteta, it’s a chance to end Arsenal’s six-year trophy drought and keep quadruple hopes alive; City aim for their sixth title in 11 years.

Ahead of this major clash, we created an Arsenal and Manchester City Combined XI. Goalkeeper: David Raya – Arsenal Pep Guardiola’s confirmation that James Trafford will start in Manchester City makes this a more straightforward selection than it might have been. Trafford is a terrific young goalkeeper, but Raya has emerged as one of the world’s finest at Arsenal.

There is a chance, of course, that Arteta also sticks with his own number two, Kepa Arrizabalaga, in cup competition. It’s a big decision. Right-back: Jurrien Timber – Arsenal Arsenal boast the best backline in the Premier League – if not Europe.

Jurrien Timber has been a mainstay of the meanest back four in the division, with the Dutchman dependable at both ends of the pitch. Centre-back: William Saliba – Arsenal William Salbia has entered an elite bracket of players who perform with such consistency that their performances now go somewhat overlooked. Gabriel has taken more headlines than Saliba this season, but the Frenchman’s been no less impressive.