Two of the Premier League heavyweights in Chelsea and Arsenal lock horns against each other at the Stamford Bridge on Sunday in what promises to be a mouth-watering encounter. The Blues have had a decent start to their campaign, having bagged 9 points from their 4 league outings and have already started to appear as one of the favourites to clinch the English top division silverware.
The Gunners, meanwhile, have mustered a hot-and-cold start, and after losing against Stoke City and Liverpool, they did come back strongly in the league during their last outing as they secured a 3-0 win over Bournemouth. The upcoming London derby is a huge match for both these clubs and here is our Chelsea and Arsenal combined XI for the game.
Defence
Although Petr Cech has been a fine custodian between the sticks so far this season, it is Chelsea’s Thibaut Courtois who bags a place in our combined XI side as his commanding, resolute and shrewd nature deserves to be taken into consideration.
The three-man defensive wall should comprise of Laurent Koscielny, Cesar Azpilicueta and David Luiz. Koscielny might have ventured into this season a bit late but he has had a notable impact with his outings so far.
Similarly, Azpilicueta has brought the element of sheer resilience at the backline of Conte’s side and he has undoubtedly been one of the most productive players this season. Luiz, the regular starter for Chelsea, also bags a berth owing to his impeccable form.
Wing-Back/Midfield
The left-wing-back slot should see Arsenal’s summer signing Sead Kolasinac, as his monstrous runs and industrious toil down the left has made him quickly earn a name for himself in the good books of the football fraternity.
Hector Bellerin edges past Victor Moses and Davide Zappacosta for a place on the right-wing-back position. The central defensive midfield slot should be afforded to N’Golo Kante, who has been absolutely rock-solid at the middle of the park and has cushioned the backline perfectly.
Alongside Kante, it would be intriguing to see Granit Xhaka in the middle to partner the former Leicester City midfielder, for the Swiss international has also been in a fine touch so far this season.
Attack
Chelsea’s newcomer Alvaro Morata should be spearheading the line-up. The Spaniard, ever since his move to the Stamford Bridge during the summer transfer window, has smashed 3 goals and chiselled 2 assists in 4 league appearances and is one of the easiest picks.
Despite not being his natural position, we pick Arsenal’s maestro Alexis Sanchez to be slotted into the right wing with Eden Hazard cutting edge and attacking prowess to be used from the left.
