Chelsea and Arsenal combined XI: The Gunners dominate the defence, while Bukayo Saka and Cole Palmer are included but who starts up front?

Chelsea and Arsenal will face each other on Sunday in the latest intriguing clash between the London rivals.

The Blues go into the game in fourth place and are above Arsenal on goal difference, with both teams having 18 points so far this season.

Enzo Maresca‘s side are looking to demonstrate that they can perform with consistency.

Arsenal, meanwhile, have endured some frustrating results of late but the return to fitness of captain Martin Odegaard will provide Mikel Arteta‘s team with a major boost. 

Mail Sport reveals which players are included in our Chelsea-Arsenal combined XI, with some difficult decisions having been made.

Mikel Arteta’s team will be determined to secure a much-needed victory at Stamford Bridge

Goalkeeper – David Raya (Arsenal)

Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sanchez has come in for some criticism of late with some supporters calling for him to be dropped.

David Raya, meanwhile, has made some tremendous saves this season and provides authority.

Even though Arsenal’s defence hasn’t been quite a resilient as it was last season, Raya remains a reliable performer and Chelsea will have to work hard to get the better of him. 

Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya has made some excellent saves so far this season

Right back – Ben White (Arsenal)

Ben White had to fill in in his previous position of centre back against Liverpool and then only featured as a substitute against Newcastle due to fitness concerns.

However, when he is at his sharpest the 27-year-old is a key component of Arsenal’s team, especially given how he combines with Bukayo Saka.

Malo Gusto, who has been Chelsea’s main right-back this season, is also a talented player.

Ben White is a key component of Arsenal’s defence and also links up well with Bukayo Saka

Centre back – William Saliba (Arsenal)

When at his best William Saliba is unquestionably one of the standout players in the Premier League.

The Frenchman reads the game extremely well and is also elegant in possession.

Saliba was sent off against Bournemouth last month but will be eager to be back to his best against Chelsea.

When at his best, William Saliba is one of the standout players in the Premier League

Centre back – Gabriel (Arsenal)

The other half of Arsenal’s centre-back partnership, Gabriel has established himself as a firm favourite with the club’s supporters.

Gabriel’s leadership qualities are a key asset and he has an excellent understanding with Saliba.

After going six league games without keeping a clean sheet, the Arsenal defence will be determined to address that issue against Chelsea. 

Gabriel will be looking to help Arsenal keep a clean sheet when they take on Chelsea

Left back – Reece James (Chelsea)

The first Chelsea player to be included in this team, Reece James is looking to prove that he is over the injury issues that have frequently hampered his progress.

Although the Chelsea captain is mainly a right back, he has featured at left back recently and has shown some encouraging signs. 

If he is deployed at left back against Arsenal then James will probably come up against Saka, which would be an intriguing battle.

Reece James recently returned from injury and is an important player for Chelsea

Defensive midfield – Moises Caicedo (Chelsea)

After joining from Brighton for £100million, Moises Caicedo initially struggled to settle at Chelsea, with his performances lacking consistency.

Now, though, the midfielder is thriving and he scored a superb goal against Manchester United last weekend.

Arsenal have found it difficult to get the right balance in midfield so far this season and Caicedo will be looking to help Chelsea win the battle in that area of the pitch on Sunday. 

After some initial struggles, Moises Caicedo is now thriving as a Chelsea player

Defensive midfield – Declan Rice (Arsenal)

Declan Rice has been struggling with a broken toe, which ruled him out of Arsenal’s defeat at Inter Milan in the Champions League in midweek.

However, it is hoped that the midfielder will be fit to face Chelsea and his involvement would give Arteta’s team a major boost.

Rice is capable of making an impact both defensively and in a creative sense and he has plenty of experience of playing in London derbies. 

Declan Rice has been struggling with a broken toe but will hope to be fit to face Chelsea

Right wing – Bukayo Saka (Arsenal)

Saka’s inclusion in this team was inevitable, with the winger continuing to make a significant contribution even when Arsenal have struggled at times.

Saka has scored three goals and provided seven assists in the Premier League this season and has also been entrusted with the captain’s armband at times in the absence of Odegaard. 

Arsenal will certainly be looking to Saka for inspiration on Sunday.

Saka has continued to make a significant contribution for Arsenal this season

Attacking midfield – Martin Odegaard (Arsenal)

If it wasn’t already clear, Odegaard’s importance to Arsenal has been emphasised during his absence.

Odegaard hasn’t played in the Premier League since August due to an ankle problem and Arteta’s team have struggled for creativity.

After Odegaard featured as a late sub against Inter there is hope that he can play a significant part against Chelsea, which could benefit Arsenal greatly. 

Martin Odegaard’s return from injury is set to provide Arsenal with a significant boost

Left wing – Cole Palmer (Chelsea)

Cole Palmer has had to deal with a knock but Chelsea are doing everything possible to ensure that their star is ready to feature against Arsenal.

Since joining Chelsea, Palmer has contributed with 32 goals and 20 assists in 57 appearances, with his creativity and flair causing all manner of problems for opponents.

Palmer scored in the corresponding fixture against Arsenal last season. 

Cole Palmer will be looking to shrug off a knock in order to feature against Arsenal

Striker – Nicolas Jackson (Chelsea)

Had this XI been assembled last season then Kai Havertz would unquestionably have been chosen given the impact that he made in his debut campaign at Arsenal following his switch from Chelsea.

Nicolas Jackson has bounced back from criticism to impress for Chelsea this season

Havertz has still made a contribution this season but Nicolas Jackson has really stepped up for Chelsea after being heavily criticised last campaign.

Jackson has scored six goals in the Premier League so far this season, with his clever movement causing problems for opposing defenders.