Arsenal and Chelsea are two of the Premier League’s most successful clubs.
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger
Arsenal take on Chelsea in what will surely be a breathtaking top-of-the-table clash.
The two London giants have been Premier League title rivals since Roman Abramovich’s arrival in West London, and it has been the Blues who have been far more successful during that time.
The Gunners look like they once again have a squad capable of challenging for the league this season, however, and we have chosen a combined Arsenal and Chelsea XI from the players available for Saturday’s clash.
GK – Thibaut Courtois, Chelsea:
One of the harder positions to choose from. The 6 ft 6 in Belgian just gets the nod over Petr Cech.
He makes everything look easy, and catches when most goalkeepers would punch. He oozes calmness and serenity, and is a huge presence physically.
Cech has seen his form dip at the start of this season, which has cost him his place in this side.
RB – Hector Bellerin, Arsenal:
The Gunners youngster has been a revelation since making his full debut for Arsenal away to Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League two years ago, and has gone on to make the right-back spot his own ever since.
Despite the experience of Branislav Ivanović, he is not the player he was a couple of years ago, and would not offer anywhere near the same level of attacking threat as Bellerin.
LB – César Azpilicueta, Chelsea:
Chelsea’s Cesar Azpilicueta
The right-footed left-back is one of the strongest defenders in the league.
He is powerfully built, quick, and intelligent when reading the game, and he is just as competent in defensive positions as he is when bombing down the flank to support his wingers.
CB – Laurent Koscielny, Arsenal:
The Frenchman has arguably become one of the world’s finest centre-back during his time at the Emirates, and is an indispensable member of the Arsenal team.
Quick along the ground and strong in the tackle, Koscielny possesses the perfect blend of attributes that are required to be considered a world-class defender.
CB – Gary Cahill, Chelsea:
With John Terry being a major doubt for Saturday’s game, Cahill just gets the nod to deputise.
He would be a good partner for Koscielny, with his willingness to attack aerial balls with aggression and his strength in the tackle.
DM – Santi Cazorla, Arsenal:
The mercurial Spaniard is one of the most technically gifted payers in world football, and he just has to be in the team.
He would play the deep-lying play-maker role, and the orchestrator of all the team’s attacks.
DM – N’Golo Kante, Chelsea:
Lining up next to Cazorla would be Chelsea’s summer signing N’Golo Kante.
He has incredible energy levels that enables him to get all over the pitch for the full 90 minutes, and would compliment the Spaniard perfectly.
He would play a box-to-box/ball-winner type role in our team.
LW – Eden Hazard, Chelsea:
Chelsea manager Antonio Conte with Eden Hazard
The Belgian has been in sparkling form so far this season, after disappointing for the entirety of the last campaign.
One of the most exciting players to watch when he’s in full flow, the ball seemingly sticks to Hazard’s feet when he is running at pace.
He is incredibly strong and has a knack of riding opponents tackles. He is also a real goal threat.
RW – Willian, Chelsea:
The Brazilian has cemented the right wing spot at Chelsea as his own.
Incredible work ethic combined with one of the best engines in the league allows Willian to have a huge influence on the game for the full 90 minutes.
His deliveries from set-pieces are a major asset for any team, and he would work wonderfully with Bellerin down the right hand side.
ACM – Mesut Ozil, Arsenal:
Despite a tough first season in England, the German has proved himself to be one of the best number 10’s in the world, and enjoyed his most productive season in a Gunners shirt last term.
He has registered 33 assists in 83 Premier League appearances during his time at the Emirates, and would be given the freedom to roam in this side.
CF – Diego Costa, Chelsea:
Who else could it be but Costa? The controversial striker is never too far away from trouble, with his aggressive, tenacious playing style.
It is that style, however, that makes him the player he is.
Strong in the challenge, competent in the air, and lethal when presented with a goalscoring opportunity, he simply has to be in the team.
Substitutes:
Cech, Mustafi, Matic, Sanchez, Oscar, Xhaka, Batshuayi
Do you think there is anyone in the team undeserving of their place?
And who should have made the XI?
Arsenal’s Mesut Ozil in action
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