Credit: Imago

Harri Burton

Sat 18 April 2026 11:30, UK

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Manchester City and Arsenal are set to go head-to-head in a Premier League title decider at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday.

Despite the Gunners once holding a nine-point lead at the top of the table, Pep Guardiola’s side are just six points behind with a game in hand, and the two teams are yet to face each other on 19 April.

While the Citizens are unbeaten in nine league matches, Mikel Arteta’s team slipped up against Bournemouth to blow the title race wide open, but it could all be decided this weekend.

Man City’s players have all the experience in this situation, and cracks are beginning to show in North London. With all of that in mind, this is Football Insider‘s combined XI ahead of the clash.

Gianluigi Donnarumma leads huge calls in defence

Although David Raya currently leads the race for the Premier League Golden Glove, Gianluigi Donnarumma is only three clean sheets behind, despite this being his first season in England.

It is quite easy to argue that City’s No.1 is one of the best shot-stoppers in the world, and while many were worried about him having the ball at his feet, he has disproved those concerns.

Marc Guehi and William Saliba would make up the centre-back partnership, meaning that Gabriel Magalhaes misses out, with Nico O’Reilly and Matheus Nunes commanding the flanks.

Both Gabriel and Abdukodir Khusanov will be disappointed to miss out, but it was a tough call in the defence.

Bukayo Saka is missing as Man City’s front-three star

Other than Martin Zubimendi, it is difficult to argue against Declan Rice and Rodri being the starting midfielders, even though the Spaniard has been returning from injury for much of this season.

The partnership would also allow for Rayan Cherki to express himself in the final third, pulling the strings in front of goal, and benefiting the front three of this combined XI.

Bukayo Saka has struggled to put up similar numbers in 2025-26, with some Arsenal fans even preferring Noni Madueke on the right flank, so it makes sense for Antoine Semenyo to be thrown straight in.

Erling Haaland’s involvement is an absolute no-brainer, and given that he has 22 goals to his name in the Premier League, nobody comes close to his impact in the final third.

That leaves just the left-wing position. Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard have both had decent seasons, but for the pure fear that he strikes into opponents, Jeremy Doku deserves a spot in the team.