EPL 2016/17: Chelsea vs Arsenal, combined XI

Midfield

Centre midfield - Nemanja Matic

LONDON, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 17: Yohan Cabaye of Crystal Palace (L) and Nemanja Matic of Chelsea (R) battle for possession during the Premier League match between Crystal Palace and Chelsea at Selhurst Park on December 17, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images) — Matic has pulled the strings in the midfield for Chelsea

Arsenal have had midfield issues this season with injuries and suspensions taking a toll on their results. Meanwhile, Chelsea have had a settled midfield since the beginning of this season and as always Matic has been at the heart of things.

In a defensive role, his abilities are unquestionable but his tally of six assists this season has meant that he has kept the talented Cesc Fabregas out of the team. He edges out the likes of Aaron Ramsey and Francis Coquelin to secure a place in the combined eleven.

Centre midfield - N'Golo Kante

LONDON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 22: Ngolo Kante of Chelsea in action during the Premier League match between Chelsea and Hull City at Stamford Bridge on January 22, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images) — The heartbeat of Chelsea

Arsene Wenger praised Kante yesterday and revealed that he had twice tried to lure him to the Emirates. The Frenchman has made more interceptions than any other player in the last two seasons and his work rate does the job of two players for Chelsea.

If the Blues do win the league, Kante will have been a major reason. With Santi Cazorla out with an injury, no Arsenal player can come close to matching Kante’s effectiveness.

Attacking midfield - Mesut Ozil

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 13: Mesut Ozil of Arsenal looks on during the Premier League match between Everton and Arsenal at Goodison Park on December 13, 2016 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images) — The German playmaker has scored nine goals this season

Mesut Ozil has not been consistent for Arsenal but has still racked in nine goals this season. He makes them tick going forward and is a dream player to have in any team. The German has a good record against Chelsea and has always performed well against the Blues.

Arsenal need him to deliver in their biggest game of the season tonight and hopefully, Mesut Ozil will be up for the challenge.

Left wing - Eden Hazard

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 03: Eden Hazard of Chelsea in action during the Premier League match between Manchester City and Chelsea at Etihad Stadium on December 3, 2016 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images) — Hazard has formed a deadly partnership with Costa up front for Chelsea

With nine goals and three assists, Hazard has returned to the supreme form that eluded him last season. His directness can cause any team problems and his partnership with Diego Costa has helped the Blues achieve a nine-point lead over their London rivals.

Right wing - Alexis Sanchez

LONDON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 31: Alexis Sanchez of Arsenal runs with the ball during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Watford at Emirates Stadium on January 31, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images) — Alexis Sanchez is the Premier League’s joint top scorer with 15 goals

The front three picks itself in this combined lineup. People had doubted the ability of the Chilean to play as a striker but he has silenced his critics as he sits on top of the scoring charts with 15 league goals. He and Hazard in one team is a mouth-watering prospect and both players can interchange roles on the flanks to cause even more damage.