Maurizio Sarri and Unai Emery are set to meet each other in the second match week of Premier League as Chelsea host Arsenal this weekend. The players will take some time to follow their new manager’s philosophy but all they want from this game is three points.
Both the teams have some big-name players and we take a look at a combined lineup featuring stars from both the teams.
GOALKEEPER
The young Kepa Arrizabalaga became the most expensive goalkeeper in the history of football. He gets the nod ahead of Arsenal’s Bernd Leno and veteran shot-stopper, Petr Cech.
Kepa was able to maintain a clean sheet on his debut when his side beat Huddersfield. His first piece of action involved a wide clearance after getting a poor pass from David Luiz but initiated the counter-attack which culminated in Pedro scoring Chelsea’s third goal.
We’re yet to see the best of Kepa but considering Arsenal will create more than Huddersfield, he could be called into action more often tomorrow.
DEFENCE
Bellerin is one of the fastest players in the league. His pace is often a key ingredient for Arsenal on the break but Azpilicueta is a decorated and versatile defender. He is defensively sound and has the ability to deliver pinpoint crosses in the box.
Also read: 3 reasons why Chelsea will beat Arsenal
David Luiz and Sokratis should form the partnership at the heart of the defence. Sokratis is the only Arsenal defender on this list (Not a big surprise!). The Greek international had a poor start to his Premier League career as Arsenal lost to Manchester City but the pressing sort of caught the entire defence and not just him. It’s still very early days and he will improve with time.
David Luiz lost his way under Antonio Conte but he will be looking to regain his form under Sarri. He’s still a better option than Rüdiger and Mustafi who are prone to errors at the back.
Marcos Alonso is one of the best-attacking left-backs in Premier League. His defensive skills may come under scrutiny at times but he always chips in with some important goals and assists for his team. He played as a wing-back under Conte in his two-year stay, so playing as a left-back will be a tougher task for the Spaniard. With Nacho Monreal injured, he is our automatic left-back in this combined XI.
MIDFIELD
Jorginho, N’Golo Kante and Lucas Torreira form a robust and strong midfield trio.
Jorginho had a troubled start in England where he was exposed by Manchester City in the Community Shield final but had an impeccable Premier League debut against Huddersfield. N’Golo Kante is the best defensive midfielder in the league if not the world. Is there really anything he doesn’t offer?
Lucas Torreira is one of the most exciting new talents in the Premier League. He is young, energetic and has good distribution. The 22-year old was impressive at the World Cup and put in disciplined performances.
ATTACK
With Morata still unable to find his goal-scoring touch, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is the number one striker. Lacazette had a modest first season with Arsenal but Aubameyang was prolific in his six months with the Gunners.
Eden Hazard starts as the left-winger and is probably the best in his position in the league. Chelsea have managed to keep him away from Real Madrid and that is easily the best piece of business they have managed.
Pedro has hit the ground running this season after two underwhelming seasons with the Blues. He was mostly restricted to substitute appearances but has flourished under the guidance of the new manager, though it’s still early days. He scored a few goals in the pre-season and continued his form against Huddersfield.
