Arsenal face table toppers Chelsea this weekend at Stamford Bridge. Both teams are still unbeaten in the Premier League and are the only teams in the division to still boast such a statistic. It had me thinking, what would be the best combined eleven between the two teams. I will try and not be biased.
Goalkeeper: Thilbuat Courtois
Whilst I rate Szczesny and Ospina, Courtois and Cech are both superior goalkeepers in my opinion. It’s a no brainer this one, 1-0 Chelsea.
Defence: Mathieu Debuchy, Gary Cahill, Laurent Koscielny, Cesar Azpilcueta
I’m sure the inclusion of Mathieu Debuchy will annoy Chelsea fans. However I think the French defender is the best option for this combined eleven. His attacking threat makes him a more suitable candidate in this formation than Ivanovic. I think the Serbian is a very good defender, but I’m not sure about him at right back. In the heart of defence both teams have two good duos. I’d take one from each and partner Cahill and Koscielny. Koscielny is a quality defender, one of the best in Europe for me. Cahill is an excellent defender and I’m sure Arsene regrets not taking a punt on him when he was available for £10million at Bolton. Gibbs is good, but his injuries have stopped him reaching the heights he can reach. Azpilcueta is a quality defender and capable of playing on either side. Filipe Luis is yet to convince me, in a Chelsea shirt, that he deserves a place in this eleven. 3-2 Chelsea.
Midfield: Nemanja Matic, Cesc Fabregas;Â Mesut Ozil
My inclusion of Mesut Ozil ahead of Oscar or Ramsey/Wilshere might anger some, but in my opinion, he’s clearly the best footballer out of the trio. Matic provides strength and defensive ability which no other player for either side can offer. His defensive attributes would allow Fabregas and Ozil to play their best football. It’s devastating to think about what this midfield trio could do, when all are on form. Another reason Ozil is included, remember Mourinho said Mesut was the best no.10 in world football. I’m sure Jose would be the first to move for the German if he were to become available for transfer. 5-3 Chelsea.
Attack: Alexis Sanchez, Diego Costa, Eden Hazard
What a mouthwatering front three this is. Alexis is on incredible form and deserves a place in this eleven, there’s no question about that. Whilst Welbeck has shown his ability recently, Costa is clearly the better forward. When Walcott’s fit I think he’d stake a claim to get into this starting eleven, but Hazard has the quality and potential to be a world beater. 7-4 Chelsea.
Subs: Cech, Ivanovic, Mertesacker, Ramsey, Oscar, Welbeck, Walcott
What would your combined XI’s look like? Let us know by commenting below.