Arsenal have already been anointed Premier League champions by many, however this weekend might change all the pieces.
The league leaders head to Stamford Bridge on Sunday afternoon and a win for hosts Chelsea might scale back the hole between first and second to simply three factors.
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The Gunners’ rock stable defence has them competing on all fronts, whereas the Blues hold developing with methods to win due to their limitless choices in midfield and assault.
Final trip towards Barcelona they put in a press release show for a 3-0 win, and even probably the most assured of Arsenal supporters might now be feeling a bit of nervy.
Chelsea’s final three league finishes learn fourth, sixth and twelfth, a distinction to Arsenal’s three-straight runners-up spots.
But regardless of Mikel Arteta’s squad being much more established on the high of the sport, selecting between the 2 is now removed from easy, significantly relating to one of the best squad.
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As such, talkSPORT tasked Gabby Agbonlahor with selecting a mixed XI, and got here up with a much more even cut up than the previous couple of seasons would have produced.
Goalkeeper: Raya v Sanchez
“I’ve gone with David Raya in purpose that’s a straightforward one,” the Aston Villa legend mentioned, selecting one Spaniard over the opposite.
Robert Sanchez hasn’t been a fan favorite on the Bridge having been error inclined since arriving from Brighton for £25million in 2023.
But former Blue Scott Minto has defined why he thinks the talk is nearer than it could have been half a 12 months in the past.
“I believe the final six months, together with the final three months of final season, Sanchez began to enhance much more, as a result of he wasn’t being requested to play the ball out together with his toes,” he mentioned.
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“By way of shot stopping, together with his measurement he ought to be excellent, from crosses he’s improved quite a bit, however I imply, they put a bid in for Mike Maignan…
“Sanchez is enhancing. I’m simply unsure he’s a Premier League profitable goalkeeper.”
Defence: Chelsea man challenges rock stable Gunners
With the fewest targets conceded in Europe’s high 5 leagues at simply six in 12 video games, you’d count on a pink and white again 4, however accidents and one other Spaniard have difficult issues.
“Jurrien Timber at proper again, I believe he’s higher than Malo Gusto,” Agbonlahor mentioned.
“I’ve to go together with William Saliba, Gabriel’s not accessible so I’ve gone with [Cristhian] Mosquera. I actually like him and suppose he’s a greater centre again than what Chelsea have to supply.
“However left again I’ve gone for Marc Cucurella. I do like Riccardo Calafiori, I do like [Myles] Lewis-Skelly, however I believe it’s Cucurella with the shape he’s on this season.”
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Giving his tackle Mosquera’s spectacular begin since arriving from Valencia, Arsenal nice Sol Campbell instructed talkSPORT: “He’s been a bit of moist behind the ears in sure eventualities however he’s undoubtedly a high alternative.
“He’s going to be an unimaginable participant going ahead however the depth is unimaginable and it’s now about utilizing it to one of the best of their talents.”
Midfield: One of the best on the planet and the following huge factor
“My quantity six needs to be Moises Caicedo,” Agbonlahor mentioned, naming a midfield three. “I believe he’s one of the best midfielder on the planet in the mean time.
“He does all the pieces, covers each blade of grass and may rating targets.
“In entrance of him I’ve gone for Declan Rice as one of many eights, he likes getting ahead extra now in that superior place.”
Then comes the one participant everybody has been speaking about, Estevao, who is way from a assured starter regardless of his mega exhibiting towards Barcelona.
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“Subsequent to him I’ve gone for Estevao,” Agbonlahor mentioned. “I believe he’s such a expertise and I hope he begins.
“I don’t suppose the supervisor will for some motive, he’s 18, he’s not 16, he can play week in week out.
“He has to start out. The boldness he’s bought from Barcelona, 3-0, because the star participant, why would you allow him out? I might play him.”
The Brazilian has solely began in eight of his 17 appearances as Enzo Maresca eases him in, however for Chelsea followers he’s already one among their most enjoyable ever signings.
“The hype is actual,” Alex Harris of Chelsea Fan TV instructed talkSPORT.
“Once I stand exterior the stadium and interview followers after video games, everybody says the identical factor: ‘I haven’t felt this manner since Eden Hazard joined Chelsea’.
“He’s unimaginable. His capability to go on either side, Hazard was clearly sensational and I don’t need to criticise or examine, however Estevao can do all the pieces with each toes.”
Forwards: Accidents create a giant probability
The largest query for this recreation is the striker’s berth, given accidents for either side.
Earlier than that, although, Agbonlahor mentioned: “The left facet I’ve gone for Eberechi Eze.
“He can play No.10 however I’ve pushed him out, he’s in excellent type for Arsenal and England.
“On the best it needs to be Bukayo Saka, that’s his place and he’s one of the best within the league on the best.”
Now for the powerful half…
“Striker… Victor Gyokeres isn’t accessible, he’s injured,” Agbonlahor continued.
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“I’m unsure about Liam Delap in the mean time, Joao Pedro was shut.
“However I’ve gone for Pedro Neto as a false 9, he performed there towards Barcelona and did very nicely, he doesn’t get the love he deserves.
“He’s bought tempo and may play anyplace in that entrance 9 and can at all times create possibilities. He was favoured over Pedro in a giant recreation.”
Including his ideas on two of the summer season arrivals, he mentioned: “I believe Gyokeres will [get the goals] he’s appeared higher in every recreation he’s performed.
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“I believe Delap might need missed the trick of going to a lesser membership earlier than Chelsea, I don’t suppose he’s going to get the sport time on this squad.
“May he haven’t gone to an Everton first, bought 15-20 targets after which made the soar to Chelsea?”
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