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On Sunday, the football world is set to witness another instalment of one of London’s most exciting derbies, Arsenal vs. Chelsea. Both Mikel Arteta and Frank Lampard will be experiencing this game as managers for the first time ever, adding that much more excitement to the fixture.
Going into this game, the Gunners sit eight points behind 4th placed Chelsea. That’s why Arsenal will be the underdogs for the fixture as they’ve only won once in thirteen games. As for Chelsea, they were jubilant from their 2-0 win over Jose Mourinho’s men, only to be on the end of a 2-0 defeat to Southampton in mid-week. This has left many to doubt their capabilities coming into the game.
If Arsenal is to have any hope of finishing in the top four this season, they must win this game without fail. As for the Blues, they are on course for a top-four finish, but their inconsistent form has raised alarm bells for their new boss.
In this article, we list a few players from each team in a combined starting XI. (4-2-3-1)
Goalkeeper: Bernd Leno
No goalkeeper has made more saves than Bernd Leno this season. The German keeper has been left completely exposed by his porous defence leaving him to face a plethora of shots. This season the 27-year-old has averaged 3.9 saves a game, having conceded 28 goals in 19 appearances. Arsenal’s first-choice keeper has been the one shining light in a team that currently sits 11th in the table.
The back four especially have been cited for their poor performances, as they’ve often left their goal unattended to. If it weren’t for the performances of the German, Arsenal would have not only conceded more but received even heftier defeats.
Full-Backs: Reece James & Emerson
A lot of Chelsea’s good attacking play this season has come through the flanks, notably due to their full-backs. The emergence of Reece James has been a highlight for the Blues, the youngster’s ferocious attacking play and astute defending have already made him a contender for Gareth Southgate’s next England squad.
As for Emerson, he was often left on the bench for Marcos Alonso in the Maurizio Sarri era. However, Lampard has seen the benefits of having the Brazilian in the starting XI, especially his brilliant linkup play and impressive bursts of acceleration.
Centre Backs: Antonio Rüdiger & Fikayo Tomori
It’s obvious that neither of Arsenal’s centre-halves was going get into this starting XI. As a unit, Chelsea’s back five has looked way more solid than that of the Gunners. This has been helped by the return of Antonio Rüdiger, which has provided a massive lift for Lampard’s inexperienced side. The German was out 84 days, missing 18 games in the process. Now he’s back, he’ll able to guide his surrounding young defenders.
One of those youngsters is Fikayo Tomori. The young CB has had a breakout season at the Bridge, heavily impressing the masses. The 22-year-old displays great athleticism, strong tackling and is confident at passing out from the back.
Midfield: N’Golo Kante, Jorginho & Mateo Kovačić
At times, Chelsea’s midfield has been unplayable this season. Lampard has been able to instil his philosophy mainly through his midfield three. This trio has showcased dominance, control of possession, skill, defensive work rate and quick one-two passes, all things Arsenal’s midfield has failed to show.
N’Golo Kante has once again shown the world that he’s one of the best midfielders in the world. Wherever he’s deployed, the Frenchman excels due to his attention to detail and exceptional work rate, whether it’s as a #6 or #8, Kante always delivers for his teammates.
Like Kante, Jorginho has found himself deployed in several positions this season but has ultimately performed best as a holding midfielder. The 28-year-old has averaged 71 passes a game, with an 87.6% passing accuracy. It’s no wonder Manchester City were so keen to get his signature.
Mateo Kovačić has taken his game to another level this season. The man who Real Madrid rejected has shown his true potential under Frank Lampard, pulling the strings in the final third. The Croatian’s close control has been reminiscent of a certain Eden Hazard at times.
Wingers: Willian & Christian Pulisic
The Blues boss has made it evidently clear what he wants from his wide players. He wants them to vary their inward & outward runs whilst also working hard to trackback. Both Willian and Christian Pulisic have displayed those traits in abundance.
Willian has revitalised his career this season, directly contributing to 7 goals in 18 appearances. Beyond those numbers, he has often been the difference for a Chelsea team that is still feeling the effect of Eden Hazard’s departure.
As for Christian Pulisic, the American wonderkid has shown the Premier League his true ability after a difficult start. The 21-year-old wasn’t making the matchday squads but after impressing the boss in training, Pulisic has grabbed his opportunity with both hands. In 1010 minutes of PL football, the winger has directly contributed to 7 goals, equating to a goal every 144 minutes.
Centre Forward: Pierre Emerick-Aubameyang
There was only one realistic option for this slot. Although Tammy Abraham has exceeded all expectations this season with 11 goals in 18 appearances, Pierre Emerick-Aubameyang is still the superior striker.
The Gabonese international has effectively carried the entire Arsenal attack on his back. Since he joined the club, Aubameyang has scored 20 away goals, four times more than the next player in that time. This season, the 30-year-old has scored 14 goals in 23 games, 8 more than strike partner Alexandre Lacazette.
