With the Premier League season entering a crucial phase, Arsenal and Manchester United find themselves in different battles.
Arsenal are pushing for the title, while United are struggling for consistency.
But if you were to take the best in-form players from both sides right now, who would make the combined XI?
It may be slightly harder than usual given the amount of injuries across both sides, with Arsenal missing Bukayo Saka, Takehiro Tomiyasu, Gabriel Jesus, Gabriel Martinelli and Kai Havertz.
Meanwhile, Manchester United are without Mason Mount, Luke Shaw, Jonny Evans, Tom Heaton, Altay Bayindir, Lisandro Martinez, Amad Diallo and Kobbie Mainoo.
So, with Mail Sport picking between those who are fit, who makes the cut as part of a 4-3-3 formation?
Arsenal travel to Old Trafford to take on Man United the Premier League on Sunday afternoon
United are enduring a dismal season and sit 14th in the top flight, 14 points off the top four
Ruben Amorim has struggled to have much of an impact since arriving back in November
GOALKEEPER
David Raya (Arsenal)
There is a reason David Raya has been named the Best Goalkeeper at the 2025 London Football Awards.
Since last year’s awards, Raya made the headlines with two penalty saves in a Champions League round of 16 win over Porto, kept six consecutive clean sheets in the Premier League, and won the division’s Golden Glove at the end of the 2023/24 season.
He’s also been included in the PFA’s Premier League Team of the Year, and pulled of August’s Premier League Save of the Month for a one-handed stop against Ollie Watkins.
So, it goes without saying Raya has firmly established himself as Arsenal’s No.1. His shot-stopping has been excellent, and his distribution is far superior to that of United’s Andre Onana, who has been inconsistent.
DEFENDERS
LEFT BACK – Riccardo Calafiori (Arsenal)
Riccardo Calafiori is making the cut after an impressive substitute appearance at PSV, setting up Leandro Trossard before scoring a goal of his own.
His ability to progress the ball forward and link up with the attack gives Arsenal an extra dimension.
With Luke Shaw injured and United lacking a consistent left-back option, Calafiori is this week’s choice.
David Raya takes the No 1 shirt by virtue of his strong displays and outperforming Andre Onana
Riccardo Calafiori also makes the team, although United lack of a left back option right now
CENTRE BACK – Gabriel Magalhaes (Arsenal)
Gabriel Magalhaes has undoubtedly been one of Arsenal’s most consistent and impressive players since he made the move to the Emirates.
The Brazilian centre-back has steadily earned the admiration of both his teammates and fans alike. His performances throughout January were nothing short of exceptional, making him a standout player for the Gunners.
He complements Saliba perfectly. While the Brazilian is a rock at the back, he has also chipped in with crucial goals – scoring in back-to-back games against Manchester City and Spurs.
His aggressive style suits Arsenal’s high line, and he has been a major part of their defensive strength.
CENTRE BACK – William Saliba (Arsenal)
Saliba is arguably the best centre-back in the league right now. His composure on the ball, ability to read the game, and his aerial dominance make him indispensable.
He has completed over 94 per cent of his passes this season and has barely put a foot wrong.
It helps that he has formed a head-turning partnership with Brazilian Gabriel at the heart of the Gunners’ defence.
Speaking earlier this season, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta said: ‘We believed that Saliba and Gabriel could become really good… but their level now is something incredible, unbelievable. That togetherness and chemistry is unique and really good. I’m proud of Gabriel and Saliba, really’.
Gabriel offers an aerial presence at both ends, providing crucial goals from set pieces
RIGHT BACK – Jurrien Timber (Arsenal)
Jurrien Timber was the one who kickstarted Arsenal’s fantastic evening in Eindhoven, scoring the opener with a back post header for his side.
While it was an almost perfect evening for the defender, he did pick up a yellow card in the 69th minute.
So, given that performance and his other performances this season – he is the right choice.
Diogo Dalot started as United’s right wing-back against Real Sociedad and seemed to struggle ruling him out of the combined XI. United fans were critical of the his crossing ability as a wing-back and were far from convinced over his ability to play in the role on the pitch.
MIDFIELDERS
DEFENSIVE MIDFIELD – Declan Rice (Arsenal)
Rice has been an absolute monster in midfield. He’s winning nearly 90 per cent of his duels, breaking up play, and even contributing goals. His ability to dominate physically and progress the ball is unmatched among the Gunners’ squad, making him an automatic pick.
CENTRE 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, often carrying the team’s attacking burden.
His leadership and ability to produce in big moments keep him in this XI.
Declan Rice and Bruno Fernandes make up a strong midfield three, with Martin Odegaard
CENTRE MIDFIELD – Martin Odegaard (Arsenal)
When fit, Arsenal’s captain is at the heart of their attacking play, pulling the strings in midfield with his vision and movement.
He leads the team in key passes per game and has plays a vital role in creating chances.
His ability to orchestrate attacks and dictate the tempo of a game makes him the standout creative force in midfield.
RIGHT WING – Ethan Nwaneri (Arsenal)
With Saka injured, 17-year-old Ethan Nwaneri gets the nod.
The highly-rated youngster has already shown glimpses of his immense talent, and Arsenal fans are excited about his future.
His technical ability, composure on the ball, and fearless approach make him a wildcard selection.
While he is still raw, his current form and potential make him the best available option on the right flank.
Arsenal’s injury crisis has allowed youngster Ethan Nwaneri, 17, to flourish for Arteta
Mikel Merino has emerged as a makeshift option up front and leads the line here
With all the spots filled, only one Man United player makes it into Mail Sport’s combined XI
STRIKER – Mikel Merino (Arsenal)
The surprise inclusion? Maybe. But Merino has been crucial for Arsenal in an advanced role, covering for injuries and adding creativity. His physicality, passing range, and tactical intelligence have helped Arsenal maintain their attacking rhythm.
LEFT WING – Leandro Trossard (Arsenal)
Leandro Trossard has stepped up massively in the absence of Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka. He has scored vital goals in both the Premier League and Champions League, proving to be a reliable attacking option for Arsenal.
His versatility allows him to play across the front three, and his ability to make an impact off the bench or from the start makes him invaluable.
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