Chelsea vs Arsenal – Combined XI ahead of London Derby | OneFootball

Chelsea face Arsenal in the Premier League this weekend in a London Derby with plenty at stake.

Both teams come into the contest buoyed by beating European giants in midweek. Chelsea cruised past Barcelona in the Champions League, while Arsenal maintained their perfect record in the same competition by beating Bayern Munich at the Emirates.

Ahead of their showdown in the Premier League on Sunday, we’ve selected our Combined XI from the two squads.

Chelsea vs Arsenal – Combined XI ahead of London Derby

Goalkeeper: David Raya – Arsenal

David Raya takes the number one position ahead of compatriot and Spain teammate Robert Sanchez.

The former has developed into one of Europe’s best shot-stoppers at Arsenal and overtaken Sanchez when it comes to the national team pecking order. Sanchez has struggled for consistency at Chelsea, with the goalkeeper an area the club could upgrade.

Right-back: Jurrien Timber – Arsenal

Arguably, the most difficult selection on the teamsheet. Reece James is a phenomenal footballer, and his injury-free season has been welcomed.

However, Jurrien Timber’s almost flawless performances for Arsenal earn him the nod here. The Dutchman is an automatic selection in an Arsenal side hardly short of defensive options.

Centre-back: William Saliba – Arsenal

Arsenal’s Rolls-Royce is a key part of the Premier League’s best defence. The Frenchman is often unflappable even when under pressure, oozing calm and composure at the heart of the Gunners’ defence.

Centre-back: Piero Hincapie – Arsenal

The Ecuadorian joined Arsenal’s defensive ranks in the summer and marked his full league debut with an outstanding showing against Spurs. Hincapie is an aggressive defender with signature South American tenacity. At 23, he’s already amassed 50 caps for the national team.

Left-back: Marc Cucurella – Chelsea

Marc Cucurella breaks up Arsenal’s dominance of the backline, with the Spaniard central to Chelsea’s plan under Enzo Maresca.

It seems a long time ago that Cucurella was criticised for his performances in West London, having bounced back from a tough period to become a firm favourite for club and country.

Midfield: Moises Caicedo – Chelsea

Chelsea broke the bank to land Moises Caicedo in 2023, and their record recruit has justified that outlay.

Last season, Caicedo was named the club’s Player of the Season, having emerged as one of Europe’s most effective ball-winners in a blue shirt. The Ecuadorian covers every blade of grass for the Chelsea cause.

Midfield: Declan Rice – Arsenal

In an alternative world, Declan Rice could have been lining up on the opposite side of the derby.

Released by Chelsea as a teenager, Rice rose through the ranks at West Ham before a cross-capital transfer to Arsenal. He’s become one of the most complete midfielders in world football with the Gunners and the heartbeat of Mikel Arteta’s team.

Midfield: Cole Palmer – Chelsea

Cole Palmer has trained this week after an injury-plagued start to the season. It’s a timely return for Chelsea, who have missed his maverick match-winning.

Palmer is a player who plays off-the-cuff and at his own pace. Arsenal will fear his name more than any other if he’s named on the teamsheet.

Right-wing: Bukayo Saka – Arsenal

Born for the big stage. Another assist against Bayern Munich in midweek extended Bukayo Saka’s brilliant record in the Champions League.

Saka shines when the lights are brightest and will confirm his place among football’s best wide players if Arsenal can end their wait for one of the major prizes this season.

Left-wing: Eberechi Eze – Arsenal

Eberechi Eze is shifted slightly out to the left in our Combined XI, with Eze’s inclusion earned after a positive start to life at Arsenal.

Last weekend, he became the first player in Premier League history to score a North London Derby hat-trick before adding an excellent assist in the midweek win over Bayern. He’s growing as a Gunner.

Forward: Viktor Gyokeres – Arsenal

Viktor Gyokeres has trained this week and could return for Arsenal at Stamford Bridge. The Swedish striker earns the nod over Joao Pedro and Liam Delap in the battle of the new striker signings.

While Gyokeres has not exploded in output at Arsenal, scoring six times in 14 games, his bullish presence has added a new dynamic to Mikel Arteta’s armoury.

Read – Chelsea vs Arsenal – Match Preview and Team News

See more – 📈 Power Rankings: Chelsea crash in, Arsenal oust Bayern

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