- Manchester City and Arsenal will face each other on Sunday night at the Etihad
- Alan Shearer has named four Gunners players in his starting XI ahead of the clash
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Former Newcastle striker Alan Shearer has named his combined XI for Manchester City and Arsenal.
Pep Guardiola’s side host the Gunners at the Etihad on Sunday in an early top-of-the-table clash at the Etihad, with both teams eager to prove a point.
City beat Mikel Arteta’s men again to claim the title last season, despite taking just one point from their two games.
However, Shearer believes the reigning champions still have a better team, having named just four Arsenal players in his combined XI.
Shearer opted for Ederson in goal despite David Raya’s bright start to the campaign, and his heroics proved vital during Thursday’s 0-0 draw with Atalanta in the Champions League.
Alan Shearer has included just four Arsenal players in his Manchester City XI
City host the Gunners at the Etihad on Sunday in an early top-of-the-table clash.
The Spaniard produced a spectacular double save from the penalty spot to ensure Arsenal started their European campaign unbeaten.
Sheare chose Kyle Walker ahead of Ben White at right-back despite the former having only started once this season.
The former Magpies captain picked Arsenal’s formidable centre-back pairing of William Saliba and Gabriel ahead of the likes of Ruben Dias, John Stones and Manuel Akanji, with Jurrien Timber pipping Josko Gvardiol to the left-back position.
There was no room for a single Arsenal player in midfield, with Shearer choosing a City trio of Rodri, Bernardo Silva and Kevin De Bruyne ahead of the likes of Martin Odegaard, Thomas Partey and Declan Rice.
Bukayo Saka is the only striker to make the XI, and Shearer lines him up alongside Phil Foden and Erling Haaland.
Shearer believes it will be difficult to separate the two teams at the Etihad after their midweek games.
“I’m going for a draw in this game,” Shearer told Betfair. “It’s a long week as both teams have played in the Champions League as well, so a draw for both teams is not a bad result, even though Manchester City are playing at home.”
Shearer has named Arsenal’s formidable duo of William Saliba and Gabriel as his centre-back partnership
There was no room for an Arsenal midfielder, and Shearer opted for Rodri, Bernardo Silva and Kevin De Bruyne
Former Newcastle striker believes only Bukayo Saka would fit into Manchester City’s attack
Guardiola, meanwhile, says Sunday’s game is not decisive for the title, claiming their second encounter at the Emirates will be more vital.
The City boss said in his pre-match press conference: “In terms of the table, it’s not that important.
“The important thing will be when we go to London in the second half of the season. It’s not a motivation to win to be five points ahead after five games. It’s about playing a good game.”
