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While there are numerous editions of the London derby, none feature two teams with as much success as Chelsea versus Arsenal. The two clubs met for the 186th time on Monday morning in a clash that could saw Jose Mourinho’s troops move nine points clear of Arsene Wenger’s Gunners.
It was Arsene Wenger’s 1001st match in charge of Arsenal, after the Gunners marked his 1000th by smashing six past Wojciech Szczesny, the biggest scoreline in this strain of London derby.
Monday’s match marked 18 years since Wenger took charge at Arsenal and once again displayed Mourinho’s the ability to get under the Frenchman’s skin.
Chelsea and Arsenal are the only teams remaining yet to experience defeat in the English Premier League. There squads ooze class with some of the best in the game in their ranks.
Chelsea and Arsenal combined starting XI
Formation 4-3-3
Goalkeeper – Thibaut Courtois (Chelsea)
In goalkeeping terms, Courtois is still a boy yet he has all the attributes to become one of the greatest goalkeepers of all time. After three years on loan at Atletico Madrid, the Belgian has developed his games and Mourinho has made the right decision in sticking the former Genk prodigee in goals.
Right back – Branislav Ivanovic (Chelsea)
There isn’t too many 90kg fullbacks with the ability going forward as Branislav Ivanovic. The mighty Serbian has two goals this season and averages two shots a match. Unlike most modern fullbacks, Ivanovic also knows how to defend which is why he has been an ever present in Jose Mourinho’s brick wall defence.
Centre back – John Terry (Chelsea) Captain
After over 600 games for Chelsea, the former England skipper still produces the goods at the heart of the best defence in England. He demands respect from his teammates and takes it upon himself to have his back line sorted. On the ball, Terry is calm and efficient with an 88per cent pass success rate this season. He will be 34 years old at the end of the year so we must wonder how long he can continue delivering the goods.
Centre back – Laurent Koscielny (Arsenal)
The Arsenal back line either bullies or gets bullied and in the big games away it is normally the later. When Arsenal travelled away to Borussia Dortmund a fortnight ago, they were picked apart by a significantly under strength Dortmund. The match finished 2-0 to the Germans but if it had not been for the 29-year-old making several last ditch tackles and crucial interceptions the score could have been triple or more.
Left back – Cesar Azpilicueta (Chelsea)
The Spaniard affectionately known as “Dave” was signed as a right back. Mourinho shifted him to left back to supress his urges to push forward and focus on defence and it has worked exactly to plan. Azpilicueta has the second highest number of tackles for Chelsea but is yet to pick up a booking.
Centre defensive midfield – Nemanja Matic (Chelsea)
Averaging 3.5 tackles a match, Matic makes more tackles than any other player for Chelsea or Arsenal. 28 games into his second stint at Stamford Bridge, the Serbian looks to be the perfect anchor to Mourinho’s midfield. At 6ft 4 he also has the ability to cause havoc from set pieces including the winner against Sporting Lisbon in the Champions League midweek.
Centre midfield – Cesc Fabregas (Chelsea)
$40 million in todays transfer market is a steal for a player who has 92 caps for Spain and is still 27 years old. Fabregas averages 84 passes a match, second in the English Premier League with a pass success rate of 90per cent. If that wasn’t enough he has six assist in the league and appears to be the perfect service providers for talisman Diego Costa.
Centre midfielder – Mesut Ozil (Arsenal)
Ozil has been criticised relentlessly for appearing not to try hard enough. The $68 million man was not signed from Real Madrid to contribute significantly in defence so anyone who says he is not worth the price tag is ill informed. This season he has averaged over 60 passes per match with a pass success rate of a tick under 90per cent. Play Ozil in his number 10 position and as a World Cup winner, he will deliver.
Right winger – Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (Arsenal)
If it wasn’t for the injuries, “the Ox” would be a staple for both Arsenal and the Gunners. He is a perfect combination of physical strength and raw pace which is a nightmare for opposing full backs. His ability to cut inside and run at defences is what manager love to see and one feels that with a run of games under his belt Chamberlain could continue to build upon his incredible potential.
Left wing – Eden Hazard (Chelsea)
The 23-year-old Belgian could make his claim as the best dribbler of the ball in the English top division. Mourinho has used him as a wide playmaker and he average 48 passes per game with a higher pass success rate than Fabregas (91.5per cent). The biggest flaw in the man who has already been capped 50 times is that he does not score as many goals as his talent deserves. He has only one so far but if he can continue to build partnerships with Fabregas and Costa, the goals will come.
Centre forward – Diego Costa (Chelsea)
The signing of the season for a smidge over $50 million. The former Atletico striker has eight goals in six English Premier League appearances and is apparently still yet to play 100per cent fit. Chelsea fans are giving him the title of “the new Didier Drogba” which is huge praise and expectation. You can see the fire in his belly and his hunger for goals, he could bring the title back to Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea versus Arsenal combined XI
Courtois
Ivanovic – Terry – Koscielny – Azpilicueta
Matic
Fabregas – Ozil
Oxlade-Chamberlain – Costa – Hazard
Chelsea 8
Arsenal 3
From this you would have to say that Chelsea are the favourites to win this London derby. Mourinho loves a top of the table clash and his team is jam packed with big game players so I will be tipping Chelsea to prevail at the Bridge 3-2.
Follow me on Twitter @dylaneloiarvela
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