The Premier League is nearing its midway point as the busiest time of the season approaches.
Quite contrary to any of the predictions made at the start of the season, the League seems to have taken a completely different turn. There have been a number of results that have shocked us, while current league leaders Leicester City have probably left the entire world gaping in awe.
This week sees Arsene Wenger’s second-placed Arsenal side play host to Manchester City in what promises to be a thriller. The Gunners have enjoyed a decent season in comparison to their rivals, while City have already had their fair share of ups and downs and currently find themselves in third position, only a point behind the North Londoners.
Both sides have enjoyed a similar run of form in recent times, with Arsenal taking 12 points from their last six and the Sky Blues grabbing 11 from the same number of games. But a decisive factor can be found when one considers City’s abysmal away form, whereas the Gunners have hosted well this season, only losing once at home so far. The Citizens have not won in any of their last four away games in the league.
Injuries have also been a concerning factor for both teams this season. The absence of key players in important positions has affected both teams but their strength in depth has kept them fighting at the top of the table. With a number of players still missing from the action, we look at a combined XI of both teams that are currently available to feature in Monday night’s clash.
Petr Cech – Goalkeeper – Arsenal
The toughest choice to make as both goalkeepers have been in fine form and have also kept the same number of clean sheets (seven). The differentiating factor is purely statistical. Cech has made over 50 saves so far, while Hart has only managed 29.
Hector Bellerin – Right-back – Arsenal
The youngster has beaten Mathieu Debuchy to become Arsenal’s first-choice right-back after some impressive performances in the Frenchman’s absence. Bacary Sagna has not been in the best of form this season and with Pablo Zabaleta out injured, Bellerin is a no-brainer.
Laurent Koscielny – Centre-back – Arsenal
Another Arsenal player to feature among the defenders with City’s fit centre-backs struggling to make any sort of impression this season. But take nothing away from the 30-year-old, who has been in terrific touch since the past few seasons and has established himself as a leader in the Arsenal defence.
Nicolas Otamendi – Centre-back – Manchester City
The Argentine arrived for quite a hefty fee this season but is yet to live up to the maximum of his capabilities. The 27-year-old makes the cut ahead of the shaky Per Mertesacker and with Vincent Kompany also injured, there were not many others to consider.
Nacho Monreal – Left-back – Arsenal
Aleksandar Kolarov might have started off the season very well but his recent performances have seen a dip in form. He was dropped from the starting XI in City’s last game and was replaced by former Arsenal man Gael Clichy. Monreal, on the other hand, has arguably been Arsenal’s most consistent defender this season, playing every minute of the Gunners’ matches this season. He has made a lot of improvement defensively and is also threatening in attack.
Fernandinho – Defensive-midfield – Manchester City
The Brazillian has been one of City’s top performers this season. He has held the City midfield very well while chipping in with a few goals. He has featured in each of City’s games this season and continues to be an integral part of Pellegrini’s setup.
Yaya Toure – Defensive-midfielder – Manchester City
Has been far from his best this season, but the 32-year-old always seems to come up with something extraordinary whenever his team needs it. Despite having a below-par season, the Ivorian has still managed three goals and four assists, including a late winner in their last game against Swansea.
Mesut Ozil – Attacking-midfielder – Arsenal
The German has been Arsenal’s best player overall, chipping in with two goals and an astonishing 13 assists in the league. Ozil has also been involved in at least a goal in each of his side’s previous 10 games. Injuries to Francis Coquelin, Santi Carzola and Alexis Sanchez keep them out of the XI.
Kevin De Bruyne – Left-wing – Manchester City
De Bruyne has failed to start in only two league game since his arrival and has been a revelation in the City midfield alongside David Silva and Raheem Sterling. The Belgian has scored four and assisted six in the league. His delivery into the box continues to be among the most dangerous in the league.
Raheem Sterling – Right-wing – Manchester City
Had Alexis Sanchez not been injured, he would have made the cut ahead of the young Englishman, who has enjoyed a decent season with the Citizens since his big money arrival in the summer. The 21-year-old has enjoyed a fantastic European campaign but has failed to replicate that form in the league, although his four goals and three assists are a reasonable enough tally. He beats team mate David Silva, who is yet to get back to full fitness after coming back from injury.
Olivier Giroud – Striker – Arsenal
Sergio Aguero is still nursing himself back to fitness and Olivier Giroud is enjoying a fantastic season in front of goal. After a slow start to the season, the Frenchman has been knocking in the goals for fun in recent weeks and has netted a total of nine goals in the league and 14 in all competitions.
What are your thoughts? Let us know by dropping a comment below via our Facebook comment box. Make sure you follow us on Twitter @Outside90 and like us on Facebook.
