Arsenal’s clash with Chelsea is undoubtedly the game of the weekend, with today’s showdown posing significant ramifications for both sides.
The Blues are chasing a Champions League spot and will be desperate to avenge their Carabao Cup defeat by Mikel Arteta’s men a few weeks ago.
With 16 points separating the teams in the Premier League table, you’d imagine the leaders would dominate a combined XI.
But stats boffins at Sofascore have run the numbers to see which players make the cut and the Blues are well represented.
In fact, there are more Chelsea players in the team than Arsenal based entirely on their average ratings out of 10 this term.
So, here’s a breakdown of which stars made the cut after the numbers were crunched.
Arsenal are top of the league but how many of their stars make a combined side with Chelsea?
Goalkeeper: Robert Sanchez
Last season, Sanchez was widely regarded as the weak link for the Blues, the man who needed to be upgraded to take the team up a level.
But the goalkeeper has provided a far more assured presence at the back this season and earned an average score of 6.94.
That puts him in the side ahead of David Raya, despite the Arsenal stopper leading the race for the Golden Glove with 13 clean sheets.
Sanchez is three behind on 10 but according to Sofascore’s highly sophisticated algorithm, he gets the nod when all data points are considered.
Defender: Reece James
This has been one of James’ best campaigns simply due to his ability to stay fit.
Having been dogged by injuries for much of his career, the Chelsea right-back has been able to find some consistency under Enzo Maresca and now Liam Rosenior.
James’ impressive rating of 7.18 puts him clear of Jurrien Timber (6.98), perhaps due to more of an attacking threat.
That said, both men have two goals and four assists in the Premier League this season and are nailed on starters.
James looks likely to start for England at the World Cup and makes it into the combined XI here.
Defender: Trevoh Chalobah
Chalobah’s revival at Chelsea looked a long way off when he was farmed out on loan to Crystal Palace.
The 24-year-old has spent time away from his parent club on four separate occasions but this season’s performances are a testament to his resolve.
Chalobah has secured himself a regular starting role, benefitting from the unfortunate long-term injury to Levi Colwill.
His average rating is 6.98, surprisingly putting him ahead of William Saliba (6.93), who is widely regarded as one of the most dominant defenders in the league.
Defender: Gabriel Magalhaes
The Brazilian is in the running to be Arsenal’s player of the season, such is his importance to Arteta’s side.
His steely defending combined with constant set-piece threat has made him a nightmare for opponents and it is no surprise to see this reflected in the stats.
Gabriel has six goal contributions in total and Arsenal have only conceded 21 in 28 games this term.
His average rating is 7.30, that’s higher than any other defender in either side and he comfortably sees off Benoit Badiashile to make the cut.
Defender: Pierro Hincapie
While Hincapie has not been a regular for the Gunners all season, the Ecuador international, who signed in the summer, has come to the fore in recent weeks.
The left-back, who can also play in central defence, is rated higher than Malo Gusto at 6.96.
He’s made 18 appearances for Arsenal in the Premier League so far, in addition to four in the Champions League.
The defender’s form is keeping Miles Lewis-Skelly out of the line-up and no doubt he’ll have an important part to play against the Blues at the weekend.
Midfielder: Moises Caicedo
The £115million defensive midfielder has become one of the best in his position in the world.
Caicedo is starting to offer offensive contributions to go with his trademark ability on the other side of the ball and his average rating of 7.27 puts him ahead of Martin Zubimendi on 7.10.
Caicedo has four goal contributions and is one of the first names on the team sheet for Rosenior. Arsenal have won the midfield battle against almost every side this term and if the visitors are to get a result on Sunday, their destroyer in the middle will have to play a big part.
Midfielder: Declan Rice
Rice is the heartbeat of the Arsenal side and would perhaps be the biggest loss if he was to go down injured.
The England star is enjoying a magnificent campaign, as demonstrated by his superb average rating of 7.48.
That score puts him ahead of every player in either side and Rice has played in all but one of the Premier League fixtures this season.
His combative play has been combined with eight goal contributions and if Arsenal go on to win the silverware this season promises then he will need to keep up that level in the run-in.
Midfielder: Enzo Fernandez
Fernandez has taken advantage of Cole Palmer’s multiple injury absences this season, frequently playing further forward than usual in a No 10 role.
The Argentine has proven himself capable of the advanced position as well as the usual double pivot with Caicedo.
He sees off competition from Eberechi Eze, Martin Odegaard and Andrey Santos to complete the midfield in this combined side with an average rating of 7.15
Forward: Bukayo Saka
Saka remains Arsenal’s most consistent attacking player and while his output of nine goal contributions is not a staggering one, he often necessitates teams doubling up on him and creating space elsewhere.
The Englishman is rated 7.25 at present, that’s higher than any other player on either side in forward areas.
He will fancy his chances against Gusto on Sunday and that battle could be a defining one for the outcome.
Arsenal’s left-wing spot has seen Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard battle it out for a starting spot and neither have fully put a stamp on it.
Forward: Pedro Neto
On the left wing, Neto’s rating of 7.04 is enough to see him selected.
Chelsea have an embarrassment of riches and depth out wide but the former Wolves man has quietly seen off the competition.
He has nine goal contributions so far and with Arsenal likely to have much of the ball on Sunday, his pace on the break could be crucial.
Neto is also full of confidence at the moment having secured an FA Cup hattrick against Hull before creating two big chances and delivering one assist in the Burnley draw last weekend.
Forward: Joao Pedro
The Brazilian striker has been one of the signings of the season for the Blues.
In recent weeks, he’s taken his game up another level under Rosenior. He’s scored 11 goals and chipped in with four assists in the top flight, by far the best output of any Chelsea attacker.
There’s no competition for the forward spot in the combined XI in terms of ratings.
Viktor Gyokeres, coming off arguably his best performance of the season against Tottenham, is the lowest rated starter on either side.
His score of 6.58 is significantly behind Pedro’s 7.07 and yet the Gunners, who have fewer starters in this team, enter the game as heavy favourites.
By the end of today we’ll know how many of those data-driven spots were justified.
