Premier League champions Chelsea meet FA Cup winners Arsenal in Sunday’s traditional Community Shield clash to kick off the start of the new English football season, so here’s a best XI of the two London giants…
GK: Thibaut Courtois (Chelsea)
One of the best goalkeepers in the world, Thibaut Courtois beats his old team-mate Petr Cech to a spot in goal here.
DR: Branislav Ivanovic (Chelsea)
Easily in ahead of the inexperienced, though promising, Arsenal youngster Hector Bellerin, it’s the excellent Branislav Ivanovic at right-back.
DL: Cesar Azpilicueta (Chelsea)
One of the most solid left-backs in Europe, Chelsea star Cesar Azpilicueta is another Blues player to get into this Community Shield combined XI.
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DC: John Terry (Chelsea)
Still one of the best in the world, it’s no surprise to see Chelsea captain John Terry make it into the team ahead of Arsenal’s Per Mertesacker.
DC: Laurent Koscielny (Arsenal)
Still, in a close call, Arsenal’s Laurent Koscielny just gets in ahead of Chelsea’s Gary Cahill in the second centre-back spot.
MC: Nemanja Matic (Chelsea)
A world class defensive midfielder, Nemanja Matic is an easy choice over another promising Arsenal starlet Francis Coquelin, who is more one for the future.
MC: Santi Cazorla (Arsenal)
A class above most midfielders in Europe last season, Arsenal playmaker Santi Cazorla narrowly gets in ahead of his fellow Spaniard and former Gunner Cesc Fabregas. After scoring against Manchester City last year, can he influence the Community Shield again?
AMR: Alexis Sanchez (Arsenal)
One of the best players in the world, Arsenal star Alexis Sanchez easily gets in ahead of Willian on the right flank.
AML: Eden Hazard (Chelsea)
Another Chelsea player on the opposite side, Eden Hazard was officially the best player in the Premier League last season and is well worthy of a place.
AMC: Mesut Ozil (Arsenal)
Just in ahead of Chelsea’s Oscar, Arsenal star Mesut Ozil looks set to have a great season and is one of the best number tens in the world when he’s on form.
FC: Diego Costa (Chelsea)
Undoubtedly one of the very top strikers in Europe at the moment, Chelsea’s Diego Costa deservedly takes the lone striker spot ahead of Olivier Giroud.
