Only four Chelsea players make Gabby Agbonlahor’s combined XI ahead of crunch clash against Arsenal

Arsenal have already been anointed Premier League champions by many, but this weekend could change everything.

The league leaders head to Stamford Bridge on Sunday afternoon and a win for hosts Chelsea could reduce the gap between first and second to just three points.

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The Gunners’ 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.

Last time out against Barcelona they put in a statement display for a 3-0 win, and even the most confident of Arsenal supporters may now be feeling a little nervy.

Chelsea’s last three league finishes read fourth, sixth and 12th, a contrast to Arsenal’s three-straight runners-up spots.

Yet despite Mikel Arteta’s 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.

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.

Goalkeeper: Raya v Sanchez

“I’ve gone with David Raya in goal that’s an easy one,” the Aston Villa legend said, picking one Spaniard over the other.

Robert Sanchez hasn’t been a fan favourite at the Bridge having been error prone since arriving from Brighton for £25million in 2023.

Yet former Blue Scott Minto has explained why he thinks the debate is closer than it would have been half a year ago.

“I think the last six months, including the last three months of last season, Sanchez started to improve a lot more, because he wasn’t being asked to play the ball out with his feet,” he said.

“In terms of shot stopping, with his size he should be very good, from crosses he’s improved a lot, but I mean, they put a bid in for Mike Maignan…

“Sanchez is improving. I’m just not sure he’s a Premier League winning goalkeeper.”

Defence: Chelsea man challenges rock solid Gunners

With the fewest goals conceded in Europe’s top five leagues at just six in 12 games, you’d expect a red and white back four, but injuries and another Spaniard have complicated matters.

“Jurrien Timber at right back, I think he’s better than Malo Gusto,” Agbonlahor said.

“I have to go with William Saliba, Gabriel’s not available so I’ve gone with [Cristhian] Mosquera. I really like him and think he’s a better centre back than what Chelsea have to offer.

“But left back I’ve gone for Marc Cucurella. I do like Riccardo Calafiori, I do like [Myles] Lewis-Skelly, but I think it’s Cucurella with the form he’s in this season.”

Giving his take on Mosquera’s impressive start since arriving from Valencia, Arsenal great Sol Campbell told talkSPORT: “He’s been a little wet behind the ears in certain scenarios but he’s definitely a top replacement.

“He’s going to be an incredible player going forward but the depth is incredible and it’s now about using it to the best of their abilities.”

Midfield: The best in the world and the next big thing

“My number six has to be Moises Caicedo,” Agbonlahor said, naming a midfield three. “I think he’s the best midfielder in the world at the moment.

“He does everything, covers every blade of grass and can score goals.

“In front of him I’ve gone for Declan Rice as one of the eights, he likes getting forward more now in that advanced position.”

Then comes the one player everyone has been talking about, Estevao, who is far from a guaranteed starter despite his mega showing against Barcelona.

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“Next to him I’ve gone for Estevao,” Agbonlahor said. “I think he’s such a talent and I hope he starts.

“I don’t think the manager will for some reason, he’s 18, he’s not 16, he can play week in week out.

“He has to start. The confidence he’s got from Barcelona, 3-0, as the star player, why would you leave him out? I would play him.”

The Brazilian has only started in eight of his 17 appearances as Enzo Maresca eases him in, but for Chelsea fans he’s already one of their most exciting ever signings.

“The hype is real,” Alex Harris of Chelsea Fan TV told talkSPORT.

“When I stand outside the stadium and interview fans after games, everyone says the same thing: ‘I haven’t felt this way since Eden Hazard joined Chelsea’.

“He is incredible. His ability to go on both sides, Hazard was obviously sensational and I don’t want to criticise or compare, but Estevao can do everything with both feet.”

Forwards: Injuries create a big chance

The biggest question for this game is the striker’s berth, given injuries for both sides.

Before that, though, Agbonlahor said: “The left side I’ve gone for Eberechi Eze.

“He can play No.10 but I’ve pushed him out, he’s in outstanding form for Arsenal and England.

“On the right it has to be Bukayo Saka, that’s his position and he’s the best in the league on the right.”

Now for the tough part…

“Striker… Victor Gyokeres isn’t available, he’s injured,” Agbonlahor continued.

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“I’m not sure about Liam Delap at the moment, Joao Pedro was close.

“But I’ve gone for Pedro Neto as a false nine, he played there against Barcelona and did very well, he doesn’t get the love he deserves.

“He’s got pace and can play anywhere in that front nine and will always create chances. He was favoured over Pedro in a big game.”

Adding his thoughts on two of the summer arrivals, he said: “I think Gyokeres will [get the goals] he’s looked better in each game he’s played.

“I think Delap might have missed the trick of going to a lesser club before Chelsea, I don’t think he’s going to get the game time in this squad.

“Could he have not gone to an Everton first, got 15-20 goals and then made the jump to Chelsea?”