Chelsea vs Arsenal: Who Make The Combined XI For This London Duo?
Feb 4, 2017 at 12:52 PM
After just a point from Anfield, Chelsea’s Premier League title run is back home this weekend as they face their fellow title rivals Arsenal at the Stamford Bridge. The Gunners fresh from a loss against Watford in the previous round and have found consistency hard to come by in recent times while Antonio Conte’s side have already reeled back up from their loss to Tottenham earlier in the year. Both teams have some star players who have been in dazzling form this season and they are bound to produce some thrilling action in the league this weekend. But which team has the edge in terms of quality and form? Which team are likely to win this game? Here is the combined XI for Chelsea and Arsenal for this season, to try and get a better look at who can go all the way on the night, as we try to spoil our time in anticipation of the kick-off:
Formation: 3-5-2
Thibaut Courtois (Chelsea):
Though Petr Cech has been superb, Courtois, has 5 clean sheets more than the next best keeper in the Premier League and finds a place in this XI.
Cesar Azpilicueta (Chelsea):
The Spaniard has been immense at the back for Chelsea this season and should keep his place at the right of a back three in this game.
David Luiz (Chelsea):
The biggest surprise for Chelsea this season, Luiz, has been their most consistent defender, playing at the heart of a back three. He edges, Gary Cahill and Shkodran Mustafi into this lineup.
Laurent Koscielny (Arsenal):
Arguably the best defender in the league at the moment, Koscielny, has been the backbone of the Arsenal defence and will take a place at centre-back in this team.
Hector Bellerin (Arsenal):
The Spanish full-back is among the best players in the league in this position and edges Victor Moses who has played as a wing-back for Chelsea into this lineup at the right-wing back.
N Golo Kante (Chelsea):
The former Leicester City man has been the most influential player in the midfield of the two sides and should start in the middle of the field for Arsenal.
Marcos Alonso (Chelsea):
Though not extraordinary, Alonso has stuck to his task well on the flank and has played an important role for Conte’s side to get into this XI ahead of Nacho Monreal.
Eden Hazard (Chelsea):
The Belgian playmaker has been the most effective player in front of goal in his position in the league this season and should walk into this combined XI ahead of Theo Walcott.
Mesut Ozil (Arsenal):
The German playmaker has not been at his best recently but is one of the best players in the league even now and should get a place in this lineup.
Alexis Sanchez (Arsenal):
The Chilean has been the best player for Arsenal in the final third this season and is their highest goal scorer. He should start as a false-9 in this lineup.
Diego Costa (Chelsea):
The top goal scorer in the league, Costa, has already helped Chelsea to a number of winners this season and is the best striker among the two teams.
Here is how they would line-up: