John Obi Mikel has picked his Chelsea v Arsenal combined XI ahead of Sunday’s blockbuster Premier League clash between the two London sides at Stamford Bridge.
Both clubs head into the fixture with a lot at stake, particularly Arsenal, whose title ambition will suffer a big blow if they drop points, while the Blues will be seeking to end their poor form in the fixture, having won just one of the last 10 meetings, drawing twice and losing the other seven.
However, Enzo Maresca’s side are slightly in better form, picking eight points from the last five matches, while Arsenal have garnered seven, and that has seen them usurp the Gunners in the standings.
Speaking on The Obi One Podcast, Mikel revealed his best XI from the two teams heading into the first fixture between them this term, using a 4-2-3-1 formation.
The retired Blues midfielder went for David Raya in goal, Reece James at right-back, and the Arsenal duo of William Saliba and Gabriel at centre-backs, while Marc Cucurella got the nod ahead of Jurrien Timber and Riccardo Calafiori at left-back.
Moisés Caicedo and Declan Rice were his picks for the double pivot pairing and Cole Palmer was his preferred choice in the number 10 role, ahead of Martin Ødegaard.
The retired Nigeria international chose Bukayo Saka ahead of Noni Madueke for the right-wing slot while Gabriel Martinelli was chosen for the opposite flank, and Nicolas Jackson completed the XI as the striker.
Obi Mikel’s Chelsea v Arsenal combined XI
Goalkeeper: David Raya
Defenders: Reece James, William Saliba, Gabriel, Marc Cucurella
Midfielders: Moisés Caicedo, Declan Rice, Cole Palmer
Forwards: Bukayo Saka, Nicolas Jackson, Gabriel Martinelli
By Abdulkareem Abdulhamid @Soccernet
