Chelsea and Arsenal are two of the best teams in the Premier League. The quality of the players these two London based sides possess is enviable and makes this fixture exciting.
The Blues were Champions last season whereas Arsenal finished a lowly 5th as they were condemned to the Europa League. They will surely be wanting to return to Europe’s top division, the UEFA Champions League and a positive result away at Stamford Bridge could be very helpful in doing so.
As we get ready for yet another exciting London Derby between the Blues and the Gunners we have a look at what a combined XI of the two sides would look like.
The quality on both the sides is immense and the choices are difficult to make but here is our take.
Goalkeeper:
Thibaut Courtois – The Belgian has come a long way from being Cech’s understudy at Chelsea and he was the reason why Cech switched to the red side of London. Cech is still an excellent keeper but he is surely past his prime which made him such a loved figure at Stamford Bridge.
Defence:
Cesar Azpilicueta – The Spaniard has been impeccable of late and it is hard to look past him in any such XI. His defensive abilities are improving by the day and he is starting to show that he can at time contribute in the attacking third as well.
David Luiz – The Brazilian is an important figure in Conte’s setup and plays at the heart of the back three from where he can carry the ball forward as and when needed.
Shkodran Mustafi – The German was linked with a move away from Arsenal but decided to stay put after all. He is one of Arsenal’s best defenders from the last season and a crucial player for the Gunners.
Midfield:
Hector Bellerin – The marauding right-back is known for his blistering pace and could prove to be a dangerous player to deal with on his day.
Cesc Fabregas – The former Arsenal man is still one of the most creative players in the world. Every time he receives the ball he looks to make things happen for Chelsea.
N’Golo Kante – Probably the easiest pick on this sheet. Excellent midfield destroyer. Tireless runner. Developing other abilities to his game too.
Marcos Alonso – The former Fiorentina defender has started the season in emphatic fashion. His attacking abilities are something that makes him a must-have in this dynamic side.
Attack:
Alexis Sanchez – The Chilean is one of the League’s best players and despite wanting to leave Emirates in search of greener pastures, we know that he will once again be their most key player this season.
Eden Hazard – Usually he is a part of the debate between avid viewers of the Premier League as to whether he is better or Alexis and it is definitely a topic worth debating on. The Belgian is as good as anyone on his day and Arsenal will not have fond memories of him facing them at Stamford Bridge.
Alexandre Lacazette – His pedigree of scoring consistently for the last 3-4 seasons now is difficult to be overlooked and he has made a decent start to life in England as well.
Unlucky ones to miss out:
In defence, Antonio Rudiger and Laurent Koscielny could have staked a claim to be included but it is in midfield and attack were the most unlucky feature.
New signing Kolasinac is certainly one who will feature on this list in the future but as of now, it is too early to pick him over Alonso.
Former Real Madrid stars Mesut Ozil and Alvaro Morata would feature in most sides but when there are the likes of Eden Hazard and Alexis Sanchez competing, it is next to impossible to look past them.
