With the Premier League season that starts a crucial phase, Arsenal and Manchester United are in different battles.
Arsenal insists on the title, while United is struggling for consistency.
But if you now took the best in-shape players from both sides, who would make the combined XI?
It can be a little more difficult than normally the amount of injuries on both sides, in which Arsenal Bukayo Saka, Takehiro Tomiyasu, Gabriel Jesus, Gabriel Martinelli and Kai Havertz misses.
In the meantime, Manchester United without Mason Mount, Luke Shaw, Jonny Evans, Tom Heaton, Altay Bayindir, Lisandro Martinez, Amad Diallo and Kobbie Mainoo.
So, with post sport choosing between those who are fit, who makes the cut as part of a 4-3-3 formation?
Goalkeeper
David Raya (Arsenal)
There is a reason why David Raya has been named the best goalkeeper at the London Football Awards 2025.
Since last year's prices, Raya has taken the headlines with two penalty saves in a Champions League round of 16 wins on Porto, held six consecutive clean sheets in the Premier League and won the Golden Glove of the division at the end of the 2023/24 season.
He was also included in the PFA's Premier League team of the year and pulled from the Premier League of August of the Premier League of the month for a stop with Ollie Watkins.
So it goes without saying that Raya has settled firmly as the number 1 of Arsenal. His shot stop has been excellent and his distribution is much better than that of United's Andre Onana, who has been inconsistent.
Defenders
Rear left – Riccardo Calafiori (Arsenal)
Riccardo Calafiori makes the cut after an impressive replacement appearance at PSV, where he sets Heandro Trossard before scoring his own goal.
His ability to help the ball forward and connect with the attack gives Arsenal an extra dimension.
With Luke Shaw injured and United without a consistent left back option, Calafiori is the choice of this week.
Center Back – Gabriel Magalhaes (Arsenal)
Gabriel Magalhaes has undoubtedly been one of the most consistent and impressive players of Arsenal since he made the switch to the Emirates.
The Brazilian center-back has steadily deserved the admiration of both his teammates and fans. His performances in January were downright exceptional, making him a striking player for the Gunners.
It complements Saliba perfectly. While the Brazilian at the back is a rock, he is also chipped with crucial goals scoring in back-to-back matches against Manchester City and Spurs.
His aggressive style fits in with the high line of Arsenal, and he has been an important part of their defensive power.
Center Back – William Saliba (Arsenal)
Saliba is perhaps the best center-back in the competition at the moment. His calmness on the ball, the ability to read the game, and his air dominance make him indispensable.
This season he completed more than 94 percent of his passes and has hardly done a foot wrong.
It helps that he has formed a striking partnership with Brazilian Gabriel in the heart of the defense of the Gunners.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta said earlier this season: 'We believed that Saliba and Gabriel could really be good … But their level is now something incredible, incredible. That being together and chemistry is unique and really good. I am proud of Gabriel and Saliba, really '.
Right back – Jurrien Timber (Arsenal)
Jurrien Timber was the one who kicked the fantastic evening of Arsenal in Eindhoven and scored the opener with a backpost header for his side.
Although it was an almost perfect evening for the defender, he took a yellow card in the 69th minute.
So, given the performance and his other versions this season – he is the right choice.
Diogo Dalot started as the right wing of United against Real Sociedad and seemed to struggle to rule him out of the combined XI. United fans were critical of his crossing power as a wingback and were far from convinced of his ability to play in the role on the field.
Midfielders
Defensive Midfield – Declan Rice (Arsenal)
Rice has been an absolute monster in midfield. He wins almost 90 percent of his duels, makes the game and even contributes to goals. His ability to dominate physically and continue the ball is unparalleled between the Gunners team, making it an automatic choice.
Midfield – Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United)
Despite United's struggles, Fernandes remains their most creative player. He has six goals and seven assists in the Premier League this season, which often bears the attacking burden of the team.
His leadership and ability to produce at great moments keep him in this XI.
Midfield – Martin Odegaard (Arsenal)
When fit, the Captain of Arsenal is central to their attacking game and pulls the strings in midfield with his vision and movement.
He leads the team in important steps per game and plays a crucial role in creating opportunities.
His ability to orchestrate attacks and dictate the pace of a game makes him the striking creative power in midfield.
Legal wing – Ethan Nwaneri (Arsenal)
With Saka injured, 17-year-old Ethan Nwaneri gets the nod.
The highly appreciated young person has already shown a glimpse of his immense talent and Arsenal fans are enthusiastic about his future.
His technical skills, calmness on the ball and fearless approach make him a Yoker Selection.
Although he is still raw, his current form and potentially make him the best available option on the right flank.
Striker – Mikel Merino (Arsenal)
The surprise recording? Maybe. But Merino has been crucial for Arsenal in an advanced role, about injuries and adding creativity. His physicality, passing reach and tactical intelligence have helped Arsenal to maintain their attacking rhythm.
Left Wing – Leandro Trossard (Arsenal)
Leandro Trossard has been enormously staged in the absence of Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka. He scored essential goals in both the Premier League and the Champions League, which turned out to be a reliable attacking option for Arsenal.
His versatility enables him to play over the front three, and his ability to make an impact on the bank or from the start makes him invaluable.
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