7<\/p>\n It’s been a long time since a London derby had so much riding on it, and Arteta has his side exactly where he wants themCredit: Getty 7<\/p>\n However, Chelsea are on an almighty high after dominating BarcelonaCredit: Getty<\/p>\n The Gunners\u2019 rock solid defence has them competing on all fronts, while the Blues keep coming up with ways to win thanks to their endless options in midfield and attack.<\/p>\n Last time out against Barcelona they put in a statement display for a 3-0 win, and even the most confident of Arsenal<\/a> supporters may now be feeling a little nervy.<\/p>\n Chelsea\u2019s last three league finishes read fourth, sixth and 12th, a contrast to Arsenal\u2019s three-straight runners-up spots.<\/p>\n Yet despite Mikel Arteta\u2019s squad being far more established at the top of the game, choosing between the two is now far from simple, particularly when it comes to the best squad.<\/p>\n Read more football news<\/p>\n As such, talkSPORT tasked Gabby Agbonlahor with picking a combined XI, and came up with a far more even split than the last few seasons would have produced.<\/p>\n Goalkeeper: Raya v Sanchez<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ve gone with David Raya<\/a> in goal that\u2019s an easy one,\u201d the Aston Villa legend said, picking one Spaniard over the other.<\/p>\n Robert Sanchez hasn\u2019t been a fan favourite at the Bridge having been error prone since arriving from Brighton for \u00a325million in 2023.<\/p>\n Yet former Blue Scott Minto has explained why he thinks the debate is closer than it would have been half a year ago.<\/p>\n \u201cI think the last six months, including the last three months of last season, Sanchez started to improve a lot more, because he wasn\u2019t being asked to play the ball out with his feet,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n 7<\/p>\n Raya is still ahead in the battle of the Spanish shot-stoppers<\/p>\n \u201cIn terms of shot stopping, with his size he should be very good, from crosses he\u2019s improved a lot, but I mean, they put a bid in for Mike Maignan\u2026<\/p>\n \u201cSanchez is improving. I\u2019m just not sure he\u2019s a Premier League winning goalkeeper.\u201d<\/p>\n Defence: Chelsea man challenges rock solid Gunners<\/p>\n With the fewest goals conceded in Europe\u2019s top five leagues at just six in 12 games, you\u2019d expect a red and white back four, but injuries and another Spaniard have complicated matters.<\/p>\n \u201cJurrien Timber at right back, I think he\u2019s better than Malo Gusto,\u201d Agbonlahor said.<\/p>\n \u201cI have to go with William Saliba<\/a>, Gabriel\u2019s not available so I\u2019ve gone with [Cristhian] Mosquera. I really like him and think he\u2019s a better centre back than what Chelsea have to offer.<\/p>\n \u201cBut left back I\u2019ve gone for Marc Cucurella<\/a>. I do like Riccardo Calafiori, I do like [Myles] Lewis-Skelly, but I think it\u2019s Cucurella with the form he\u2019s in this season.\u201d<\/p>\n 7<\/p>\n Cucurella pocketed Lamine Yamal midweek and is one of the first names on the teamsheet for Chelsea<\/p>\n Giving his take on Mosquera\u2019s impressive start since arriving from Valencia, Arsenal great Sol Campbell told talkSPORT: \u201cHe\u2019s been a little wet behind the ears in certain scenarios but he\u2019s definitely a top replacement.<\/p>\n \u201cHe\u2019s going to be an incredible player going forward but the depth is incredible and it\u2019s now about using it to the best of their abilities.\u201d<\/p>\n Midfield: The best in the world and the next big thing<\/p>\n \u201cMy number six has to be Moises Caicedo,\u201d Agbonlahor said, naming a midfield three. \u201cI think he\u2019s the best midfielder in the world at the moment.<\/p>\n \u201cHe does everything, covers every blade of grass and can score goals.<\/p>\n \u201cIn front of him I\u2019ve gone for Declan Rice as one of the eights<\/a>, he likes getting forward more now in that advanced position.\u201d<\/p>\n Then comes the one player everyone has been talking about, Estevao, who is far from a guaranteed starter despite his mega showing against Barcelona.<\/p>\n 7<\/p>\n Estevao is on his way to becoming a megastar, but he’s still far from a guaranteed starter for ChelseaCredit: PA<\/p>\n \u201cNext to him I\u2019ve gone for Estevao,\u201d Agbonlahor said. \u201cI think he\u2019s such a talent and I hope he starts.<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t think the manager will for some reason, he\u2019s 18, he\u2019s not 16, he can play week in week out.<\/p>\n \u201cHe has to start. The confidence he\u2019s got from Barcelona, 3-0, as the star player, why would you leave him out? I would play him.\u201d<\/p>\n The Brazilian has only started in eight of his 17 appearances as Enzo Maresca eases him in, but for Chelsea fans he\u2019s already one of their most exciting ever signings<\/a>.<\/p>\n \u201cThe hype is real,\u201d Alex Harris of Chelsea Fan TV told talkSPORT.<\/p>\n \u201cWhen I stand outside the stadium and interview fans after games, everyone says the same thing: \u2018I haven\u2019t felt this way since Eden Hazard<\/a> joined Chelsea\u2019.<\/p>\n \u201cHe is incredible. His ability to go on both sides, Hazard was obviously sensational and I don\u2019t want to criticise or compare, but Estevao can do everything with both feet.\u201d<\/p>\n Forwards: Injuries create a big chance<\/p>\n The biggest question for this game is the striker\u2019s berth, given injuries for both sides.<\/p>\n Before that, though, Agbonlahor said: \u201cThe left side I\u2019ve gone for Eberechi Eze<\/a>.<\/p>\n \u201cHe can play No.10 but I\u2019ve pushed him out, he\u2019s in outstanding form<\/a> for Arsenal and England.<\/p>\n \u201cOn the right it has to be Bukayo Saka, that\u2019s his position and he\u2019s the best in the league on the right.\u201d<\/p>\n Now for the tough part\u2026<\/p>\n \u201cStriker\u2026 Victor Gyokeres isn\u2019t available, he\u2019s injured,\u201d Agbonlahor continued.<\/p>\n 7<\/p>\n Agbonlahor rates Neto as one of Chelsea’s most underrated playersCredit: Getty<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m not sure about Liam Delap at the moment, Joao Pedro was close.<\/p>\n![\"It's](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/mikel-arteta-manager-head-coach-1025650147.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\n![\"Estevao](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/estevao-willian-chelsea-celebrates-second-1041222318.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\n![\"Raya](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/talksport-2022-head-to-head-player-1969bcb4-98d1-4c49-82ad-d23407d54c27.png\")
<\/a><\/p>\n![\"Cucurella](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/talksport-2022-player-stats-2777d09e-9d75-466f-b459-036082e4c975.png\")
<\/a><\/p>\n![\"Chelsea\u2019s](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/chelseas-estevao-celebrates-scoring-sides-1041055335.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\n![\"Pedro](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/pedro-neto-chelsea-goal-celebration-1037152159.jpg\")
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![\"A](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/talksport-2025-26-table-b814f28e-6997-4a1f-808f-5a1c41cf7fbd.png\")
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