Chelsea visit their bitter rivals Arsenal in match week six as the London Derby like always is expected to be a feisty encounter. Both the sides are locked on 10 points after five games as Arsenal are coming off the back of a 4-1 victory over Hull City but Chelsea tasted defeat in their last game at the hands of Liverpool. This game coincides with Wenger completing two decades at Arsenal as the atmosphere is expected to be electric as always is the case in a London derby.
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Chelsea and Arsenal have contested many memorable encounters over the years but the Blues have an upper hand in this fixture since the turn of the century. The Blues did a double over Arsenal last season too though Chelsea finished a lowly tenth while Arsenal were the runners-up behind Leicester City. Let's take a look at the combined eleven from the two sides as Conte's resolute defense will be up against Wenger's sleek attack :
Goalkeeper: Petr Cech
It is an interesting duel between two of the league's best keepers in Cech and Courtois but the veteran slightly pips his young counterpart as a result of the current form that Cech is in. Courtois has had a slight dip in form since last season and is yet to fully recover from it as he conceded a penalty against Swansea this season. The Belgian was lucky that he did not concede another goal against Liverpool as he spilled a long shot from Daniel Sturridge but stopped it before the ball had gone in.
Cech also scored an own goal but it was not because of a fault of his and has done some brilliant saves in the current season.
Right back: Hector Bellerin
The youngster arrived on the scene two seasons ago and has established himself as one of the best young fullbacks in the league. Ivanovic, on the other hand, has lost his magic touch and has made many errors since the past season. Bellerin gets the nod ahead of Ivanovic because of his blistering pace in attacks and also his positional sense which has caught the attention of Barcelona who are targeting him in the next summer.
Centre back : Gary Cahill
John Terry is doubtful for tomorrow's derby and Cahill has emerged as a leader for the Blues in his absence. Cahill made a mistake against Swansea but is one of the most experienced defenders in the league and is a must in any lineup regarding Chelsea.
Centre back : Laurent Koscielny
The Frenchman has started this season on a high after scoring a stunning overhead kick against Southampton and has established himself as a leader in the Arsenal defense. He and Cahill will form a strong pair, who can stop striker's runs behind them and also are good in the air with both of them being a threat in set pieces for the opposition.
Left back : Cesar Azpilicueta
The right-footed fullback has emerged as one of the best in the league thanks to his improved attacking output in the team. He was always a brilliant defender but has improved his other aspect which was evident as he created 21 chances last season for the Blues. He keeps out Nacho from this combined eleven on the back of his present form as he scored a stunning volley in the League Cup.
Centre defensive midfield : N'golo Kante
The new signing has settled well in London and has become one of the first players on the team sheet under Antonio Conte. Undoubtedly, Kante is the best defensive midfielder in the league and has already 11 interceptions in his five games at Chelsea.
Centre midfield : Santi Cazorla
Cazorla is one of the most highly rated players in the league with his nimble feet and is productive with his output, having the ability to play anywhere on the field. He has played well in a new midfield role this season and has already racked up two goals this campaign. The Spaniard has also created seven chances this season and keeps out Cesc Fabregas from the team who has come back into the reckoning after his double over Leicester City.
Centre midfield : Granit Xhaka
Xhaka made his first start in Arsenal's last league game against Hull and scored a thunderbolt of a goal as followed it with yet another long ranger against Nottingham Forest in the League Cup. Wenger sees his new signing as a box to box midfielder and will find it tough to keep him out of the side in this kind of form.
Left forward: Eden Hazard
The Belgian has come back to life since the Euros and on his day can make a mockery of even the best defenses in the league. He dismantled Burnley this season and has established himself as an important cog in Conte's scheme of things. Hazard keeps Mesut Ozil out of the starting lineup as the German has still not hit his top gear yet and is yet to open his goal or assist tally.
Right forward: Alexis Sanchez
With three goals, two assists and two ‘ man of the match’ awards, Sanchez has emerged as a leading contender for the player of the year. The Chilean is playing with the same vigour he did in his first season at the club and will look to improve his goal tally this season with this direct running and neat finishing.
Striker : Diego Costa
Costa is the joint top scorer in the Premier League as he has scored the match-winning goal on two occasions this season for the Blues. He has reinvented himself under Conte and has always been able to get on Arsenal player's nerves, every time the two sides have clashed against each other. Costa has a good scoring record against the Gunners with two goals in his last three appearances against them and is an easy choice in this lineup ahead of Olivier Giroud and Lucas Perez.
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