Current combined XI of Arsenal and Chelsea stars ahead of London derby
Sam Barnard, Assistant Sports Editor | September 22, 2016
Arsenal and Chelsea combined XI
Ahead of yet another crunch clash this Premier League season, as Arsenal (13/10 favourites for victory) host Chelsea (21/10) in a London derby, Coral pick out a current combined XI of stars from both teams.
We have based the line-up on form this season in all competitions and players available for the match, meaning the likes of major injury doubt John Terry misses out.
Read on to find out who made our team…
Formation: 4-3-3
Goalkeeper: Petr Cech (Arsenal)
Cech edges out the man who replaced him at Chelsea in our team.
Both Cech and his replacement at Chelsea Thibaut Courtois have only managed one clean sheet each this season in the Premier League, but the former just gets the nod in our team with his overall better displays.
The Czech stopper also could’ve had another shut-out, if not for his unfortunate own-goal against Southampton, while Courtois has caused a bit of stir of late by professing his desire to move back to Spain.
Right back: Hector Bellerin (Arsenal)
We would’ve gone with Ivanovic at right back, if not for the lack of in-form options available in the centre, as Bellerin has yet to really follow on from his outstanding performances last season.
However, he is perhaps a victim of his own success and has still done his job well so far, so slots in on the right side of defence.
Centre back: Branislav Ivanovic (Chelsea)
Ivanovic has been one of Chelsea most consistent players this term.
As mentioned above, Ivanovic has been picked at centre back, due to David Luiz and Gary Cahill failing to impress this term so far and Terry a potential absentee after suffering an ankle injury. On top of that, just one Arsenal centre half has consistently featured this season.
Serbia’s Ivanovic may have played full back in all five Premier League matches, but was used in the centre in the EFL Cup when he was captain in his side’s win over Bristol Rovers.
Centre back: Laurent Koscielny (Arsenal)
One Arsenal centre back that has taken part in every top-flight game so far this campaign is France’s Koscielny, who has been the Gunners’ stand-in skipper in the absence of Per Mertesacker.
Koscielny has been a consistent performer, helping his side to a clean sheet, while he also netted a stunning overhead-kick equaliser against Southampton on their way to beating them. Why not back the north Londoners at 16/5 to win and both team score?
Left back: Cesar Azpilicueta (Chelsea)
Azpilicueta continues to impress at left back.
Although Chelsea brought in Marcos Alonso this summer for a big money fee, fellow Spaniard and right-footed Azpilicueta has kept his place at left back in the league to date.
The Spain international has made two assists in league and cup this season, while also has a goal to his name after smashing in a fine effort against Leicester City in the EFL Cup.
Centre midfield: N’Golo Kante (Chelsea)
Although Kante is playing in a slightly different role to how he was used at league champions Leicester, he has still been running his socks off and is already a key player for the Blues.
The France international has been the subject of much praise from his teammates and boss, after just a handful of matches!
Centre midfield: Nemanja Matic (Chelsea)
Matic has returned to top form this term.
The addition of Kante in the team has also allowed Matic to regain his form, after a poor season under Jose Mourinho in 2015/16.
Serb star Matic has started every game this season for Chelsea, and has provided his team with three assists.
Centre midfield: Santi Cazorla (Arsenal)
Cazorla has been one of Arsenal’s standout players this season, and takes his place in our team as the furthest forward in a midfield three.
The Spaniard has scored twice this term in the league, and set up two goals against Liverpool in their opening game, despite coming off the bench and the Gunners losing.
Right wing: Alexis Sanchez (Arsenal)
Sanchez has been one of Arsenal’s best players this season so far.
Another to really shine for Arsenal this season is Chile superstar Sanchez, who has four strikes in all competitions – Premier League and Champions League – as well as two assists.
He bagged a brace last time out in the 4-1 win over Hull City, so is 7/1 to do so again.
Left wing: Eden Hazard (Chelsea)
We have placed Hazard on the other wing, with the Belgian also revitalised after the arrival of Antonio Conte.
The 25-year-old attacker has scored twice in the league this campaign, and also set up a goal in the EFL Cup last time out against the Foxes after coming on as a sub.
Striker: Diego Costa (Chelsea)
Costa will be hoping to keep up his scoring form and get another winner at the Emirates.
Finally, Costa is the standout pick to play up front, as he jointly tops the Premier League scoring charts with five from as many games.
The Brazilian-born Spain striker is a tasty 6/4 price to net anytime again, after also netting the winner in this fixture last season.
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