Today, we’ll be looking at the strongest combined XI of Chelsea and Arsenal’s respective Premier League squads – with a twist.
We won’t be examining the strongest XI of each team – instead, we will be pitting their second teams against each other.
As such, anyone who regularly makes it into the first team – barring injuries to key players – will not be included. Who made the cut from the incredible depth offered by both Arsenal and Chelsea squads?
GK: Filip Jorgensen
Touted as one of the most promising young goalkeepers in the world, Chelsea bagged a steal when they brought Filip Jorgensen on board in the summer of 2024 for around £20 million.
Jorgensen is just 23 years old, but boasts plenty of senior team experience despite this. In the 2023/24 season, he made more saves than any other goalkeeper in La Liga while playing for Villarreal.
He may push Robert Sanchez for his spot in the first team this season. The Spaniard’s performances between the sticks are growing increasingly questionable, as Jorgensen continues to improve with each passing day.
RB: Josh Acheampong
Josh Acheampong burst onto the scene this season with an excellent, out-of-position display against Crystal Palace in Chelsea’s first game of the season.
He played a crucial role in keeping a clean sheet for the Blues – despite being a natural full-back, he put forth a mature display as a centre-back.
Aged just 19, the world is at Acheampong’s feet. At 6ft 3 and with bags of ability, he could become yet another top star to come out of Chelsea’s illustrious academy.
CB: Wesley Fofana
Wesley Fofana has it all – a young centre-back with excellent technical ability, powerful physicality and pace to boot, he has everything he needs to be a top defender.
Despite all this, there is one major factor that has haunted Fofana’s carrer – his unenviable injury record. These injuries has prevented him from having a strong run of games in Chelsea’s squad and have also hampered his development.
Nevertheless, if he can stay fit, Fofana is an fantastic defender and a player worthy of being any backline’s centrepiece.
CB: Jakub Kiwior
Jakub Kiwior has found it tough since he joined Arsenal. He has the components to succeed – he’s a strong, left-footed centre-back – but has struggled to carve out a spot in the XI ahead of William Saliba and Gabriel.
While he has proven to be an effective backup player who can also function as a left-back, superior talents in the squad have limited his appearances.
With a move away from the club seemingly in the works, a clean break may be the best result for all parties – Kiwior is far too good to be sat on the bench every week.
LB: Myles Lewis-Skelly
Myles Lewis-Skelly put the world on notice last season. He made his Premier League debut in 2024, impressing audiences with his pace and ability on the ball – he also scored his first senior goal just a few months later.
These performances did not go unnoticed by England boss Thomas Tuchel – the 18-year-old was handed his first senior England cap this year.
His displays saw him nominated for the PFA Young Player of the Year, though he would ultimately lose out to Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers.
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