It's the day of the London derby and as always, action packed football is on its way. Chelsea are flying high, sitting nine points clear of Arsenal. The Gunners, on the other hand, face their biggest test of the season as they look to keep challenging Chelsea at the top.
The disappointing loss to Watford in the last game should serve as a wake-up call for the Gunners as anything less than three points today means Chelsea have one hand on the Premier League crown.
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When the two sides first met this season, Arsenal ran out winners with a resounding 3-0 scoreline. But that defeat brought in a tactical change in Chelsea's system which heralded a 13-match winning run and propelled them to the top of the league table.
Also read: Statbox - Chelsea v Arsenal
Conte's men have the upper hand as Arsenal have not beaten the Blues at Stamford Bridge since 2011. Ahead of the big game, let's take a look at the combined 11 from both the sides selected on form and availability:
Goalkeeper - Thibaut Courtois
This is a choice between two of the best custodians in the league and is a tough one to make, considering the importance that these players have in their respective teams. Both Courtois and Cech have displayed some magnificent performances this season but the Belgian just edges out his older counterpart as a result of the staggering 13 clean sheets that he has accumulated this season.
Courtois is on course to win the Golden Glove this year and deserves a place ahead of Cech.
Defenders
Right back - Hector Bellerin
The Spaniard is known for his sensational speed but this season he has improved his defending as well and is now one of the best full-backs in the Premier League. On the other hand, Victor Moses has been given a new lease of life in a right full-back role and is doing tremendously well for the Blues.
But, Bellerin has been playing with responsibility and new found vigour this season and makes the team as a result of being an obvious upgrade on Moses.
Centre back - David Luiz
Chelsea's panic buy has turned out to be a masterstroke. Playing in a back three, Luiz has not only found freedom but has been given protection to play his natural game at times. His stats have been brilliant for the Blues this season as evidenced by his 12 clean sheets.
But the most important statistic that has caught everyone’s attention is that the Brazilian has made a total of zero errors which have led directly to goals and just one error that has led to a shot on goal. Luiz has proven people wrong since his arrival in London and is a contender for a place in the team of the season.
Centre back - Laurent Koscielny
The Frenchman has been one of Arsenal's most consistent players in recent seasons and has seen his stock rise since his move to the Gunners. He is one of the best in the business and is Arsenal's go to man at the back. He is a leader and organises the backline well. Koscielny is strong, good in the air and is calm on the ball. The Frenchman takes a place in the team because of his all round abilities, ahead of the likes of Gary Cahill and Shkodran Mustafi.
Left back - Cesar Azpilicueta
"Dave" as he is fondly called, has been one of the best Chelsea players this season and has helped them solidify a lead at the top. Azpilicueta has adjusted well in a back three but is also suited to a wider role and he takes up a place on the left wing on this side.
He has great positional sense and is arguably the best defender in the league in one on one situations. Both Nacho Monreal and Marcos Alonso have been decent this campaign but it just doesn't make sense to keep out a player that is such a crucial cog in Chelsea's machine.
Midfield
Centre midfield - Nemanja Matic
Arsenal have had midfield issues this season with injuries and suspensions taking a toll on their results. Meanwhile, Chelsea have had a settled midfield since the beginning of this season and as always Matic has been at the heart of things.
In a defensive role, his abilities are unquestionable but his tally of six assists this season has meant that he has kept the talented Cesc Fabregas out of the team. He edges out the likes of Aaron Ramsey and Francis Coquelin to secure a place in the combined eleven.
Centre midfield - N'Golo Kante
Arsene Wenger praised Kante yesterday and revealed that he had twice tried to lure him to the Emirates. The Frenchman has made more interceptions than any other player in the last two seasons and his work rate does the job of two players for Chelsea.
If the Blues do win the league, Kante will have been a major reason. With Santi Cazorla out with an injury, no Arsenal player can come close to matching Kante’s effectiveness.
Attacking midfield - Mesut Ozil
Mesut Ozil has not been consistent for Arsenal but has still racked in nine goals this season. He makes them tick going forward and is a dream player to have in any team. The German has a good record against Chelsea and has always performed well against the Blues.
Arsenal need him to deliver in their biggest game of the season tonight and hopefully, Mesut Ozil will be up for the challenge.
Left wing - Eden Hazard
With nine goals and three assists, Hazard has returned to the supreme form that eluded him last season. His directness can cause any team problems and his partnership with Diego Costa has helped the Blues achieve a nine-point lead over their London rivals.
Right wing - Alexis Sanchez
The front three picks itself in this combined lineup. People had doubted the ability of the Chilean to play as a striker but he has silenced his critics as he sits on top of the scoring charts with 15 league goals. He and Hazard in one team is a mouth-watering prospect and both players can interchange roles on the flanks to cause even more damage.
Attack
Striker - Diego Costa
Just like Hazard, Diego Costa is back with a bang after a dull campaign last time around and is currently the best striker in the top flight. He has scored 15 goals this season and is a major reason for Antonio Conte’s side’s surge to the Premier League title.
Costa, in a sense, has been a complete striker for Chelsea this season. He is making runs behind the defences, holding up the ball against strong defenders and linking up well with his teammates.
