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Arsenal and Chelsea's is a rivalry for the ages. The clubs from London have produced some mouthwatering matches in the past, with the competition between the former managers Arsene Wenger, and Jose Mourinho having intensified the fixture even more.
Arsenal is going through a transition phase under new manager Unai Emery, while Chelsea has witnessed a different style of football under Maurizio Sarri. Both clubs are fighting for that coveted fourth spot to ensure Champions League football next season, but currently, the Blues are ahead of the Gunners by six points, which makes it a must-win encounter for Emery's side.
When it comes to quality, it's quite difficult to pick between the two, as both sides as enough in their ranks to turn any game on its head. If Arsenal has the current leading scorer, Pierre-Emerick Aubamyeang, then Chelsea has one of the world's best players, Eden Hazard as a retort.
The combined XI is picked solely on the current form of players in a 4-2-3-1 formation.
GK: Kepa Arrizabalaga (Chelsea)
Both goalkeepers — Chelsea's Kepa Arrizabalaga and Arsenal's Bernd Leno — signed for their respective clubs in the summer transfer window. Leno was brought on as a backup for Petr Cech, whereas Chelsea signed Kepa on the deadline day to replace Thibaut Courtois. The latter moved to Real Madrid after spending eight years with Chelsea, which includes a three-season loan period to Atlético Madrid.
Leno is now the first choice goalkeeper for Arsenal after Cech was injured earlier in the season and has now announced retirement from football at the end of the current campaign. However, the German has looked vulnerable in front of the goal, which was made worse by Arsenal's fragile backline. The Gunners have the second-worst record when it comes to the number of clean sheets, which potentially harms their top four plans.
On the other hand, Kepa has a better defense in front of him, which has made the Spaniard's life much more comfortable. He is athletic and has made some crucial saves through the course of the season. It's always tough to play in the Premier League, but the former Athletic Bilbao goalkeeper has thus far lived up to expectations.
RB: César Azpilicueta (Chelsea)
One of the best in that position, César is a leader and the organizer of the Chelsea back line. The Spaniard often moves up and down the flank and has a deadly right foot, which fits in some dangerous crosses for the strikers to poke it in.
It's always hard to replace someone like Ivanović, but the former Marseille man grew in stature and confidence and is now the most dependable member of the squad.
CB: David Luiz (Chelsea)
David Luiz is one of those players who can be immensely enjoyable on his day but can also be frustrating at times. The Brazillian had a tremendous first season under former manager, Antonio Conte but has found himself short of game time in the second campaign.
However, once Maurizio Sarri arrived, things have looked bright for Luiz, who is now a regular starter in the side. The Italian likes to play out from the back with the player being the only ball-playing center half Sarri has in his ranks. In recent times, Luiz has been seen playing some long hopeful balls down the line which resulted in quite a few goals, with the latest assist coming against Newcastle at Stamford Bridge.
CB: Laurent Koscielny (Arsenal)
The decision to include Laurent Koscielny in the combined XI is for his experience and leadership skills. The Frenchman has been out for a long time with injuries and recently made a comeback to the starting XI. Despite that, he remains Arsenal best defender among the current squad.
Koscielny's anticipation and positioning are immaculate. Though he has aged a bit, he still has the legs to chase down most center forwards in the Premier League. In any big game, Emery could turn to Koscielny, who also has a knack of chipping in with crucial goals.
LB: Saed Kolasinac (Arsenal)
It's a tough choice between Chelsea's Marcos Alonso and Arsenal's Saed Kolasinac, but the Bosnian has got the nod only because of his current form. The Gunners have struggled in recent times, but Kolasinac has been consistent with his performances, repeatedly marauding up and down the left flank, providing support to both attack and the defense.
He is nicknamed 'The Tank' and rightly so, given his physique and stamina. Kolasinac can use his body brilliantly, which often makes it difficult for any player to dispossess him off the ball. He is now a regular in the starting XI and an important aspect in Arsenal's bid for a top-four finish.
RM: Jorginho (Chelsea)
There aren't many who can dislodge N'Golo Kanté from the central defensive position, but the Brazillian Jorginho has been a revelation since joining from Napoli in the summer. He was a subject of interest for Pep Guardiola and Manchester City as well, but the midfielder chooses to follow Sarri, under whom he played during his days in Italy.
Jorginho is useful when the opponent is looking to counter-attack, where he can break up the play and also pick a pass to the full-backs to move forward. The amount of work he does in the midfield gives some respite to the back line as well.
LM: Lucas Torreira (Arsenal)
The Uruguayan signed for Arsenal in the summer and had impressed so far under Unai Emery. There have been some criticisms over the years about the lack of a robust central midfielder, but Torrerira has undoubtedly filled up that void.
Lucas is quick and lively and never shies away from lunging into tackles. The Uruguayan can not only defend but score goals at the other end as well, as seen on a few occasions this season. He is a handy player to have in any team.
RW: Willian (Chelsea)
Willian is one of the most underrated players in the league, given the amount of work he does and the quality he brings to the side. The Brazilian can drift past any defender and provide a dangerous cross out of nowhere.
There were rumors about him leaving Chelsea at the start of the campaign, but things have now settled down well, and he looks to be at home under Maurizio Sarri. Wilian provides some pace up front and one of the focal points for Chelsea whenever they are launching a counter-attack. He has a deadly free kick in his locker, which more often than not finds the back of the net.
LW: Eden Hazard (Chelsea)
In the left wing position, there is none better than Eden Hazard in the Premier League. The Belgian can twist, turn, dribble, and can create a goal scoring opportunity out of nothing.
Eden started the season brightly and was the league's top scorer at one point. Though the goals may have dried up a bit, he still creates enough chances for his teammates and rarely misses an opportunity when presented with any.
However, there are speculations of him leaving the club next season which would be a deadly blow to the Blues' title aspirations in the coming years.
CAM: Alexandre Lacazette (Arsenal)
When Aubameyang signed for Arsenal, there was speculation whether Alexandre Lacazette would get enough opportunities to shine at Arsenal. The fans, however, wanted both of them to play together and form a lethal combination up front.
Unai Emery did pay heed to the fans and allowed them to play in the same starting XI, and it has done wonders for the Gunners. Lacazette plays slightly behind Aubamyeang and often turns out to be the creator for the Gabonese. He can also come up with some spectacular goals which make him an ideal #10 in the side.
CF: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (Arsenal)
Since Diego Costa left Chelsea, the Blues have been struggling to get a goal scoring center forward. The arrival of Morata gave them some hope, but he gradually faded away and now struggles to find a first-team spot. Even Olivier Giroud lacks enough quality to start every week for Chelsea.
This makes Arsenal's Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang as the number one choice in the striking position. His pace, agility, and skills are a nightmare for any defender to play against. The Gabonese can not only score with deft touches but also has a long ranger in his armor. Currently the league's joint top scorer, his form will be crucial for Arsenal's top four chances at the end of the season.
Formation : 4-2-3-1
