Chelsea vs. Arsenal combined XI: Five Blues defenders should be enough
It’s always a thrilling game when Chelsea and Arsenal meet. But who makes the cut in our combined XI from the only club in London to have won the Champions League, and the second-best club in North London?
As the two sides who have trouble keeping clean sheets, it was imperative to have five defenders without compromising on the attacking threat. A 5-3-2 is the perfect setup for this combined XI, considering injuries and suspensions to both Chelsea and Arsenal.
Goalkeeper: Bernd Leno, Arsenal
It was literally a coin toss between Kepa Arrizabalaga and “Jay” Bernd Leno between the sticks. Like most of this season, fortune did not favor the Basque. Leno starts in goal, simply because he is less error-prone than the Spanish No. 1. And that is not a compliment. Not anymore.
Right wingback: Reece James, Chelsea
It has to be Reece James, doesn’t it? Hector Bellerin was in with a shout, but his questionable fashion choices and the tendency to fall apart in a light breeze counted against him.
James, on the other hand, is built like a tank, covers ground like a Ferrari and has better delivery than Mumbai’s famous dabbawallahs.
Centerbacks: Antonio Rudiger, Fikayo Tomori, Cesar Azpilicueta (Chelsea x 3)
There is a distinct lack of world-class options at the back in both teams, so three centerbacks may just be enough to do the job. These guys need all the help they can get.
First up, it’s Antonio Rudiger, the undisputed leader of this bunch. The German international has seen his season disrupted by injuries, but on his day he is an impenetrable wall.
Fikayo Tomori is the second centreback, playing to the left of Rudiger to cover for Marcos Alonso when he runs off on an adventure into the opposition’s box. The young Englishman’s pace has gotten him out of a pickle more than once already, and he can be relied upon to recover after an inevitable missed tackle.
bookmark for later. Chelsea need more than just Reece James on the end of Abraham's crosses. light
The last and final member of this trio is Cesar Azpilicueta, who has played in a back three with great success. He has also had a mixed season, being shunted out to the left to ensure Emerson does not set foot on the pitch, but the man can defend.
Besides, no one in their right mind would trust David Luiz to defend a parking ticket, never mind their goal at this level. Except, of course, Arsenal.
Left Wingback: Marcos Alonso, Chelsea
Frank Lampard confirmed that Marcos Alonso is fit enough to play, so it is inevitable he starts in his favoured position in this lineup. The attacking threat that he carries along with the ability to defend when necessary makes this one a no-brainer.