Manchester City hope to continue their successful start to the season by hosting North London club Arsenal at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday in what could prove to be a crucial match in the battle for the Premier League title.
Both teams played Champions League football prior to the match, but neither team scored and both games ended in a 0-0 draw.
Pep Guardiola will still have to do without the long-term absent Oscar Bobb, while Nathan Ake suffered a thigh injury during an international break and Kevin De Bruyne remains uncertain.
Mikel Arteta confirmed this week that Martin Odegaard is out until mid-November with an ankle injury.
In a head-to-head, Arsenal lead the two clubs in winning ways with 87, while Manchester City have won 56 of their 188 meetings. Mail Sport has looked at a combined XI of the players available for the two teams.
Manchester City and Arsenal face off in a thrilling Premier League match on Sunday afternoon
Friends and old colleagues Mikel Arteta and Pep Guardiola will face each other in the dugout
David Raya is named as goalkeeper in Mail Sport’s combined XI after a stunning performance in the Champions League last week
Goalkeeper: David Raya
David Raya has made an excellent start to the season, keeping four clean sheets in five games in all competitions.
A notable moment that saw him enter the starting line-up was his double save against Atalanta on Thursday, which earned his team a point in the Champions League.
Right back: Rico Lewis
Rico Lewis has started every game for City this season and has earned his place in the starting line-up ahead of Ben White.
He grabbed his first assist of the season against West Ham, standing on the edge of the penalty area to set up Erling Haaland for his second assist of the game.
Central defender: William Saliba
William Saliba performed well against Atalanta in midweek, winning 100 percent of his tackles and completing five tackles and five clearances.
Saliba is not only hoping to keep another clean sheet, but also wants to emulate last season’s feat by preventing Haaland from having a single shot on target.
Central defender: Gabriel
Gabriel’s partnership with Saliba has proven vital for Arsenal this season, particularly against Tottenham in the North London derby last weekend.
He also scored the winning goal from a corner to put the Gunners ahead and continue their good start to the season.
The Gunners’ impressive central defensive duo of Gabriel (left) and William Saliba (right) will not be split this time around
Rico Lewis (pictured) is preferred over Ben White at right back after impressive start to the new season
Left back: Josko Gvardiol
Last season Josko Gvardiol played in a slightly higher position, which allowed him to be more involved in attacking play. He has won trophies as a right back.
Despite being a left-back, Gvardiol’s attacking qualities mean City have the advantage if he takes the lead.
Defensive midfielder: Rodri
Rodri has missed the opening two games of the Premier League season with a hamstring injury, and is almost certain to return to the starting line-up for Pep Guardiola against Arsenal.
Earlier this month he was nominated for the Ballon d’Or for the second time, showing that he is a key part of City’s plans against Arsenal this weekend.
Defensive Midfielder: Declan Rice
Declan Rice was absent for the North London derby due to a one-match suspension for his controversial red card against Brighton. Declan Rice’s return will provide extra confidence in Arsenal’s defence against City.
He excelled in his attacking role for the Gunners, often displaying his qualities at both ends of the pitch.
Ballon d’Or candidate Rodri will almost certainly reclaim his place in midfield for the match
There is also room for Declan Rice – who returns from suspension – in our combined XI
Right wing: Bukayo Saka
Bukayo Saka has been one of Arsenal’s main attacking threats this season and will be looking to add to his already impressive tally of one goal and four assists this season on Sunday.
After a tough match against Tottenham last weekend, where he was forced off early due to cramp, he is expected to put in another solid performance against the reigning champions.
Attacking midfielder: Bernardo Silva
A toss-up in the centre of the pitch sees Bernardo Silva play in midfield with De Bruyne still injured after leaving the field in the draw against Internazionale.
Silva has already provided two assists this season against Chelsea and West Ham and will be looking to continue City’s winning streak.
Left wing: Phil Foden
The Englishman replaced the injured De Bruyne against Internazionale last week and posed a threat to the Italian goal with 20 minutes left.
Although he has not played since the first round against Chelsea, manager Guardiola does not believe his lack of playing time will be a problem for the team.
Erling Haaland (left) and Phil Foden (right) are also included in an attack dominated by City
Haaland is in the form of his career and has already scored nine league goals this season
Point: Erling Haaland
Erling Haaland is leading the race for the Premier League’s Golden Boot, with three times as many goals as any other club, so it’s no surprise that he’s been selected as the striker for this team.
Haaland has already scored nine goals (including two hat-tricks) and will hope to end Arsenal’s unbeaten run in the league.