While the quality of City was already known, few would have expected the run Arsenal have been on - a remarkable run which has taken them all the way to the top of the Premier League.

The two sides are yet to meet in any competition this season due to their September league fixture being postponed after the death of Queen Elizabeth II.

However fans won't have much longer to wait before Friday's highly-anticipated clash between two incredible teams at the Etihad, but who would you include in one team?

Ahead of Friday's match at the Etihad, here is Flashscore's combined XI.

GK: Aaron Ramsdale

While both Ramsdale and City goalkeeper Ederson have recieved criticism at times, the former has shown in recent weeks how valuable he is to Arsenal's side.

Both are good with their feet but Ramsdale's shot-stopping slightly edges Ederson's with the Englishman having a 75.5% save rate compared to the Brazilian's 60%.

He has also kept one more clean sheet with nine compared to Ederson's eight.

RB: Ben White

Both clubs have faced issues at right back this season, with City's Kyle Walker picking up a lengthy injury and Arsenal's Takehiro Tomiyasu also missing for an extended period of time.

While City have tried different options and eventually settled on the introduction of the talent youngster Rico Lewis, the Gunners found a better solution in White.

Despite being a natural centre back, White has excelled since moving out to the right and has established himself as one of the most dependable defenders in the league this season - completing seven blocks, 12 interceptions and 22 successful tackles.

CB: John Stones

On the whole, City's defence has struggled this season however Stones as an individual is one of the best defenders in the division.

He is comfortable with the ball at his feet and shows good levels of composure when both defending and bringing the ball out from the back.

This is a huge contrast to Gunners' defender Gabriel, who can be rash and error prone at times.

CB: William Saliba

The young defender has had to bide his time at Arsenal often being out on loan and not given a chance in the first team, but this season he has returned and effortlessly stepped into their back four.

Saliba has played a big role in the north London club's title charge and has quickly become a top defensive player in the Premier League.

LB: Oleksandr Zinchenko

The only player in the side who has played for both clubs, Zinchenko won four Premier League titles in five years with City and has set out to add more with Arsenal after moving in the summer.

The Ukrainian was excellent last time out against Manchester United and will look to keep his solid run of form going against his former club on Friday.

CM: Martin Odegaard

The Norwgian midfielder has been a superb signing from Real Madrid and has been rewarded for his consistency with the captaincy.

Odegaard has had a hand in 14 league goals this season, scoring eight and setting up a further six.

His form has led to calls for the Player of the Season award alongside his fellow countryman - who we'll come to later...

CM: Rodri

One of the toughest decisions in the side was choosing between Rodri and Thomas Partey.

Both midfielders are imperative to the success of their respective teams and if it wasn't for the attacking midfield talent on offer then both could have been included.

Rodri just edges it due to his superior numbers - the Spaniard has a 91.4% pass completion rate compared to Partey's 86.6%, makes more tackles (43-36), interceptions (21-19) and blocks (9-4).

CM: Kevin De Bruyne

De Bruyne remains one of the best creative forces in Europe, registering 12 assists in the league already this season and chipping in with three goals.

While his form has dipped slightly following Belgium's disastrous World Cup campaign, the midfielder is still a crucial component in City's team and deserves a spot in the combined XI.

RW: Bukayo Saka

One of the best young players in England, Saka has been one of Arsenal's most prized attacking threats alongside Odegaard and has helped to guide them to the top of the league.

He has netted seven goals and made seven assists in the league, and shows no sign of slowing down as he continues to impress on the right-hand side.

ST: Erling Haaland

No surprises with the inclusion up front, Haaland obviously features in our combined XI.

The Norwegian is in a head-to-head race with Odegaard - alongside some potential outsiders - for the Premier League Player of the Season award and has already netted 25 goals from just 20 matches.

LW: Riyad Mahrez

Cheating a little bit to fit both Mahrez and Saka in, but to do both justice Mahrez has been shifted out to the left-hand side and away from his usual slot on the right.

The Algerian has 10 goals and four assists in all competitions this season and has returned from the World Cup break looking a completely different player.

Mahrez has - at times - dargged City through games when other attackers weren't performing to their usual standards and is quickly proving himself as one of the best wingers in the league alongside Saka.