Man City and Arsenal combined XI: The Gunners' centre back partnership stands strong and there's a place for both Rodri and Declan Rice - but who gets the nod behind Erling Haaland?

Manchester City are looking to continue their winning start to the season as they host north London side Arsenal at the Etihad on Sunday in what could be a crunch game in the hunt for the Premier League title.

Both sides played Champions League football leading up to the fixture, with neither side netting goals as both games resulted in a 0-0 draw.

Pep Guardiola is still without long-term absentee Oscar Bobb, while Nathan Ake succumbed to a thigh injury while on international duty and Kevin De Bruyne remains a doubt.

Mikel Arteta , meanwhile, confirmed this week that Martin Odegaard will be excluded until mid-November with an ankle injury.

In a head-to-head, Arsenal lead the charge of wins between the two clubs with 87, whilst Manchester City have 56 out of their 188 meetings. Mail Sport has looked at a combined XI from the players available for the two sides.

Goalkeeper: David Raya

David Raya has had an emphatic start to the season with four clean sheets in five games in all competitions.

A stand out moment that slotted him into this starting XI was his double save against Atalanta on Thursday to preserve his team a point in the Champions League.

Right back: Rico Lewis

Having started in every game for City this season, Rico Lewis has earned his spot in the starting XI ahead of Ben White.

He grabbed his first assist of the season against West Ham, finding himself on the edge of the box to play in Erling Haaland for his second of the game.

Centre back: William Saliba

Adecent performance against Atalanta mid-week saw William Saliba win 100 per cent of his tackles and complete five recoveries and five clearances.

As well as bidding to secure another clean sheet, Saliba is looking to recreate last season's performance in ceasing Haaland to take a single shot on goal.

Centre back: Gabriel

Gabriel's partnership with Saliba has proved critical for Arsenal this season, especially against Tottenham in the north London derby last weekend.

He also grabbed the second-haf winner from a corner, heading the Gunners in front to continue their great start to the season.

Left back: Josko Gvardiol

Played in a slightly higher position last season enabled Josko Gvardiol to increase his involvment in attacking play and he has reaped the awards as a full back.

Despite being a stationed left back, Gvardiol's offensive qualities give City the advantage when on the front-foot.

Defensive midfield: Rodri

Having missed the first two opening games of the Premier League season through a hamstring injury, Rodri will almost certainly claim back his starting position in Pep Guardiola's team against Arsenal.

He received his second Ballon d'Or nomination earlier this month, showing he is a key feature and an important part of City's plans against Arsenal this weekend.

Defensive midfield: Declan Rice

Having been absent for the north London derby due to a one-game ban for his controversial red card against Brighton, Declan Rice's return will provide an extra boast of confidence in Arsenal's defense against City.

He has excelled playing in a more attacking role for the Gunners, often showing his quality at both ends of the pitch.

Right wing: Bukayo Saka

As one of Arsenal's main attacking threats this season, Bukayo Saka will look to build on his already impressive one goal and four assists this season on Sunday.

After a challenging battle against Tottenham last weekend, forcing him to be withdrawn early due to cramp, he will be expected to replicate another solid performance against the reigning champions.

Attacking midfield: Bernardo Silva

A toss up in the centre of the park has Bernardo Silva slotting into central midfield as De Bruyne remains an injury doubt after leaving the field at half time in City's draw Inter Milan.

Silva has claimed two assists this season already against Chelsea and West Ham, and will look to help continue City's winning streak.

Left wing: Phil Foden

The Englishman came on for the injured De Bruyne against Inter Milan during the week, threatening the Italian team's goal with 20 minutes to play.

Despite not having played since matchweek one against Chelsea, manager Guardiola doesn't think his lack of minutes will prove an issue for the team.

Striker: Erling Haaland

Leading the Premier League's golden boot race with treble the number of goals of anyone else, it's no surprise that Erling Haaland has been selected as the striker in this team.

Having already scored nine goals (including two hat-tricks), Haaland is looking to end Arsenal's current unbeaten league run.