Softfootball analysts have put together a combined XI featuring players from Arsenal and Chelsea for the 2025/26 season, carefully analysing performance levels, availability, consistency, and overall impact.
Goalkeeper
David Raya (Arsenal)
David Raya gets the nod ahead of Robert Sánchez due to consistency and reliability between the posts.
Defence
| Position | Player | Club |
|---|---|---|
| Right Back | Jurrien Timber | Arsenal |
| Centre Back | Gabriel Magalhães | Arsenal |
| Centre Back | William Saliba | Arsenal |
| Left Back | Marc Cucurella | Chelsea |
At right-back, Jurriën Timber is chosen over Reece James. Player for player, James may be considered the superior talent, but availability plays a major role. Injuries have limited James this season, while Timber has remained consistently available.
The centre-back pairing is straightforward, with Gabriel Magalhães and William Saliba forming one of the strongest defensive duos in the league.
At left-back, Marc Cucurella earns Chelsea’s only defensive inclusion.
Defensive breakdown: Arsenal 3 – Chelsea 1.
Midfield
| Position | Player | Club |
|---|---|---|
| DM | Moises Caicedo | Chelsea |
| CM | Declan Rice | Arsenal |
| AM | Cole Palmer | Chelsea |
Moisés Caicedo takes the defensive midfield role, while Declan Rice slots into the number eight position.
The attacking midfield role was the most debated. Cole Palmer has not been at his absolute best this season, but neither have Eberechi Eze nor Martin Ødegaard, who has struggled for form and game time. Considering availability and overall contribution, Palmer is selected as the best option.
Midfield breakdown: Arsenal 1 – Chelsea 2.
Attack
| Position | Player | Club |
|---|---|---|
| Left Wing | Leandro Trossard | Arsenal |
| Right Wing | Bukayo Saka | Arsenal |
| Striker | João Pedro | Chelsea |
Up front, João Pedro is chosen ahead of Victor Gyökeres due to concerns over consistency this season.
Leandro Trossard takes the left-wing position, while Bukayo Saka comfortably secures the right wing spot.
Final Combined XI Count
- Arsenal: 7 Players
- Chelsea: 4 Players
Arsenal dominate the combined lineup with seven selections, reflecting their stronger overall consistency and player availability this season, while Chelsea secure four spots across defence, midfield, and attack.
