Outside90 senior editor Hugh Schuitemaker selects the best combined XI from both sides ahead of Chelsea’s clash with Arsenal this weekend.
The team was picked based on form and fitness.
Petr CECH – Goalkeeper – Arsenal
One of the few goalkeepers in the competition who can currently take a starting spot from Thibaut Courtois. Having recorded 10 clean sheets so far this season, his time in the Premier League is far from over and Cech will face his former team with full confidence this weekend.
Hector BELLERIN – Right-back – Arsenal
The youngster has truly made the right-back role his own since August, also providing a spark when overlapping on the wing that Chelsea fans will wish Branislav Ivanovic was still capable of.
Per MERTESACKER – Centre-back – Arsenal
Never afraid to lead from the back, Arsenal’s vice-captain is as menacing as ever for hopeful strikers looking to get a sight at goal.
Laurent KOSCHIELNY – Centre-back – Arsenal
Arguably one of the best performing centre-backs in the Premier League, Koscielny only has one recorded defensive error over 19 games and has also poached three close range goals.
Cesar AZPILICUETA – Left-back – Chelsea
A key figure in the Chelsea comeback against Everton last weekend, Azpilicueta continues to be the shining light among a defence which just cannot get things right at the moment.
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Aaron Ramsey – Holding-midfielder – Arsenal
Having recovered from an early season slump, a shift to a deeper role has seen Ramsey begin to find the space needed to show his physicality and pace when the Gunners move on the attack. However, it will no doubt be an intriguing battle between the Welshman and Cesc Fabregas in the middle of the pitch.
John OBI MIKEL – Holding-midfielder – Chelsea
The veteran’s inclusion could be contentious, yet Arsenal have been hit hard by injury to their first choice holding-midfielders and this is where the Blues arguably have the most depth. Mikel has continued an undefeated record when playing under Guus Hiddink
WILLIAN – Right-wing – Chelsea
Fewer players on the pitch work harder than the Brazilian, who’s efforts are finally beginning to pay full dividends as other teammates find confidence under Guus Hiddink.
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Mesut OZIL – Centre-midfield – Arsenal
Rediscovering the form that made him a star on the world stage, Mesut Ozil has been tearing opposition defences apart since the campaign began and is a key reason why Arsenal currently sit at the top of the Premier League. A sluggish Chelsea backline could be overwhelmed by Ozil’s speed and creativity.
Joel CAMPBELL – Left-wing – Arsenal
In a position that has required constant shuffling for Arsene Wenger, Campbell has provided some recent stability to left-wing and is also showing his attacking skills with two goals and an assist so far this season. Alexis Sanchez is expected to make a long-awaited return off the bench in this fixture though, which coupled with Olivier Giroud’s form, could hurt the 23-year-old in the long term.
Olivier GIROUD – Striker – Arsenal
It is a tough decision to pick between the Frenchman and a revitalised Diego Costa, however, Giroud just gets the nod with 12 goals in 22 appearances during 2015-16. Back to full confidence, Giroud’s recent exploits have silenced the outcries that Arsenal needed to sign another big name striker.
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