Man City v Arsenal player head-to-heads: Mesut Ozil or Kevin De Bruyne?

Still, we give experienced PL stalwart Cech the nod here, as we know he can pull off the top stops against English opposition.

Full backs: Pablo Zabaleta v Hector Bellerin

Argentine Zabaleta is arguably the better defender, but Bellerin possesses the better engine and looks like becoming one of the best full backs in world football sooner rather than later.

Zabaleta, 31, has featured in just two PL losses this term and scored his first strike of the season midweek, while Bellerin, 21, has featured in the same number of losses with two assists to his name.

It’s neck and neck here, but in this case, with a big game, we’ll opt for sturdy and shrewd Zabaleta this time. Just.

Central defence: John Stones v Laurent Koscielny

Young and exuberant Stones has been called out for costing his side results with sloppy passes and errors threatening to overshadow his promising start to life at the Etihad, in which his technical ability and passing has been praised.

The 22-year-old England star still has huge scope for improvement but has also featured in only three PL shut outs so far this season.

More experienced France international Koscielny is a lot classier at the moment, and appears much happier doing the dirty work as he often binds together the Gunners’ backline. So, he’s our pick.

Attacking midfield: Kevin De Bruyne v Mesut Ozil

Astute and elegant Ozil has been a force to be reckoned with, and has provided five goals and three assists in 15 PL outings this term, to quash doubts about end product.

Though, De Bruyne can equally dazzle and arguably is much more dynamic and lethal on the counter-attack. The Belgian boasts two goals and nine assists in the same number of league outings, and wins our vote for his taste for the spectacular.

Forwards: Nolito v Alexis Sanchez

The Spaniard has been in and out of the Citizens’ side with four goals and two assists in 13 PL outings, while Sanchez (7/5 to score anytime) has only recently moved from attacking midfield to a leading man role for Arsenal but looks the part.

So, Sanchez’s all-round inspirational performances with 12 strikes plus six assists see him storm this selection – as the Chile talisman really could make the difference on Sunday, with his new position changing the dynamics of the Gunners’ game.

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