Picking a Combined XI of Chelsea and Arsenal Players Ahead of Sunday’s Community Shield Clash

With Petr Cech enduring a dip in form as he approaches the final years of his career, Thibaut Courtois is the logical choice in goal.

 
The Belgium international finished the 16/17 league campaign with 16 clean sheets, demonstrating just how integral he is to Chelsea’s title challenge.

The Spanish defender has proven to be one of, if not the most reliable member of Antonio Conte’s squad, providing a solid option at the back. 

Meanwhile, Arsenal’s Hector Bellerin, while showing impressive form for periods last term, has performed inconsistently during his Arsenal career. 

Koscielny, since joining Arsenal in 2010, has emerged as one of the Premier League’s best central defenders. 

The Frenchman is a fine distributor of the ball from deep lying positions, and also possesses the positional nous to tame the most dangerous strikers in the Premiership.

Despite being received poorly by fans after his return to Stamford Bridge, David Luiz went on to play an integral role in Chelsea’s title winning campaign. 

Luiz is susceptible to the odd lapse of concentration, but the Brazillian has undoubtedly improved defensively while retaining his trademark attacking flair.

Alonso just edges Gunner Nacho Monreal to take his place on this team – even while Sead Kolasinac has arrived at the Emirates this summer. 

Monreal did impress in an Arsenal shirt last season, but it has to be said that some of his best performances came in the centre of defence.

Meanwhile, Alonso has maintained a constant presence on the left-side of defence, even pitching in with 6 goals and three assists.

Kante was arguably the best performing midfielder of the 16/17 Premier League season. 

The former Leicester man’s defensive style allows the more attacking players ahead of him more room to operate. Kante will be hoping to make a similar impact when Chelsea’s season begins.

The ex Arsenal player, despite receiving limited match time under Conte, directly contributed to 12 goals last season – the fourth highest total in the Premier League.

Fabregas’ creative ability far outweighs that of his greatest competitor for a place Aaron Ramsey, thereby earning a place in this combined XI.

The talismanic forward has been linked with a move away this summer but remains Arsenal’s most important player. 

Sanchez not only created 13 goals last season but also scored an immense 30 goals in all competitions last season, guaranteeing a spot in this team.

Whether he starts on Sunday is another matter, but he is expected to play some part.

With Eden Hazard still recovering from ankle surgery, Ozil is the obvious choice to take his place.

The German’s languid style of play often frustrated the Emirates faithful, but there is no denying his ability to create opportunities for teammates.

Ozil recorded 14 goals and 13 assists in all competitions last season.

The former Barcelona forward’s contribution to Chelsea’s successful 2016/17 season often goes under the radar, but Pedro was directly involved in 18 goals en route to the title.

The Spain international’s intelligent runs and technical ability render him a threat to any defense.

Seeing as Diego Costa is edging towards a departure from Stamford Bridge and Alvaro Morata is attempting to regain full fitness, Lacazette earns a place up front. 

The former Lyon striker, while not proven in the English top flight, scored 36 goals in Ligue 1 before joining Arsenal this summer. 

And with Lacazette set to make his competitive debut for Arsenal, he will be raring to make an impact against rivals Chelsea.